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Not just Blue Monday: Employees unmotivated year-round, research finds

A fifth (22%) of junior managers reported never feeling inspired by their job

Fewer than one in five (17%) employees feel like going to work each day, according to research by Mental Health First Aid England (MHFA), published today ahead of Blue Monday on 20 January.

One in 10 employees reported that they never feel inspired by their job, the survey of 2,000 UK employees found, while less than a quarter (23%) said that they feel enthusiastic daily.

HR is responsible for creating a culture that engages and enthuses employees, Sarah McIntosh, MHFA England's chief executive, told HR magazine.

She said: “HR has a vital role in fostering employee engagement and enthusiasm by creating a culture of psychological safety, with and through people managers. 

“When employees feel safe to be their authentic selves at work, they can be more productive and energised. 

“This requires accessible mental health support, equipping managers with the time, training, and tools to support their teams, and ensuring that senior leaders model wellbeing as a priority.”

Anxiety disorder, depressive disorder and panic disorder were the most common health-related requests employees submitted to health and security risk company International SOS, according to data it released ahead of Blue Monday. 

This data suggests that employees are experiencing crisis fatigue, Rodrigo Rodriguez-Fernandez, International SOS's global health advisor, commented.

Speaking to HR magazine, he said: “Employees may feel uninspired due to crisis fatigue: a state of mental and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged exposure to stressors like economic uncertainties, workplace pressures, and global events. 

“This fatigue depletes their energy and motivation, leaving them disengaged and unable to thrive despite organisational efforts to boost productivity.”


Read more: Mental health days: do they work?


Junior managers were more likely to be demotivated than other colleagues, the MHFA's research indicated; 22% of respondents reported never feeling inspired by their job. Only 4% of junior managers indicated that they were bursting with energy at work each day.

The burden on junior managers to motivate their teams caused their own demotivation, Sheila Flavell, chief operating officer of technology consultancy FDM Group, told HR magazine.

She said: “A lack of recognition, limited opportunities for growth, and unclear career pathways are all factors that contribute to these feelings. Often the burden of motivation falls onto junior managers, who often receive little support or appreciation themselves.”

HR professionals should work with other C-suite leaders to ensure that all employees feel motivated, Flavell suggested.

She added: “HR and the C-suite must work closely to create a culture of recognition and purpose, empowering employees in their roles, acknowledging contributions and rewarding productivity. 

“Employees who feel valued are more likely to stay motivated and engaged, so whether it’s through rewards, compensation or other benefits, organisations need initiatives that promote this.”


Read more: UK employees feel less appreciated than those in Australia and US


Ensuring year-round mental health support is available to employees would also help with performance, McIntosh added.

She continued: “Year-round mental health support is crucial. Robust policies should highlight available services, including trained mental health first aiders, who can provide initial support and identify signs of poor mental health.

“Ultimately, performance at work goes hand in hand with good mental health and wellbeing – we cannot achieve one without the other. Supporting managers to model positive behaviours will help create a more engaged and motivated workforce.”

Encouraging employees’ work/life balance could also prevent them feeling uninspired by their jobs, Rodriguez-Fernandez advised.

He noted: “HR can inspire employees by fostering meaningful connections, promoting work/life balance, and celebrating achievements. 

“Training managers in mental health is essential. Regular workplace wellbeing assessments and tailored wellbeing programmes ensure that employees feel supported and valued, driving both morale and productivity.”

MHFA commissioned One Poll to survey 2,000 UK employees in December 2024.