Low engagement: what the 2026 Gallup report reveals

People gathered working as a team

Work today represents much more than a set of tasks. It’s an experience that shapes each day and directly impacts wellbeing, motivation, and performance.

The State of the Global Workplace report published by Gallup offers a clear snapshot: how people experience work ultimately determines the quality of performance and the growth of organizations.

Employee engagement is the true driver of performance

Globally, employee engagement remains relatively low, with tangible consequences for the economy as well.

When people feel like active contributors within their work environment, they bring energy, ideas, and consistency. This translates into higher productivity and better-quality work.

However, engagement requires careful attention and the ability to interpret what’s not always obvious. It often emerges through subtle signals, such as everyday attitudes, participation, and initiative.

The report reveals an interesting distribution of engagement levels.

In the United States and Canada, engagement levels are higher. In Europe and several parts of Asia, a more moderate level emerges, with many people experiencing professional stability accompanied by low energy and limited participation.

Workplaces should be spaces where people can express their skills and create value. Organizations that invest in this balance build more dynamic and sustainable environments.

The key role of managers

Among all the factors analyzed, the role of managers stands out clearly.

The quality of leadership directly impacts team motivation, performance, and wellbeing. An effective manager fosters connection, supports growth, and helps people navigate their day-to-day work.

Equipping managers to understand needs and act promptly is a strategic choice for any organization.

However, people’s wellbeing evolves over time and requires tools capable of capturing its nuances.

How technology makes a difference

The most forward-thinking companies are moving toward approaches that turn perceptions into data, providing a clearer and more continuous view. This ability to interpret insights enables more targeted actions, improving the employee experience and strengthening the connection between people and the organization.

With Ianunai, our goal is to make mental well-being accessible, customizable, and measurable through objective data.

Our solution brings together artificial intelligence and neuroscience to equip organizations, managers, coaches, and professionals with a tool that reads stress signals, enabling a deeper understanding of needs and clearer decisions on where, when, and how to act.

Join the waiting list now and start building a more effective way to manage people.