The value rating

We asked employees across the UK to rate how valued they feel at work on a scale of 1–10. We then asked employers to estimate how they believe their people might respond.

Employers gave an average score of 7.40 – yet employees reported just 6.75, revealing a clear perception gap.

Looking closer, the data tells an even more complex story, with striking differences across sectors, genders, and company sizes.

• Private sector workers rated their value at 6.92, while public sector workers came in under average at 6.40
• Males gave an above average value rating of 7.08, while females reported a value rating of 6.50

Why employee value matters

42% of UK employees have felt undervalued in their current role – even more worryingly, over half (60%) said that feeling undervalued had contributed to adverse mental health, stress, or self-esteem issues. The impact on the employee – and the business – are profound:

• 57% of employees reported that feeling undervalued had a negative impact on motivation
• Nearly two-thirds (64%) of employers believe that productivity is affected if staff feel undervalued 

Exploring the impact of AI on employee value

AI has quickly embedded itself into daily working life. But while employers often see these shifts as progress, the impact on employees’ sense of value and recognition tells a much more complicated story.

• 69% of employers are confident AI is improving employee experience, yet only 38% of employees say it makes them feel more valued.
• The same proportion – 38% – report that AI reduces their sense of personal accomplishment.