One fifth of frontline staff perform ‘bare minimum.’

A new study has revealed that around one fifth (21%) UK frontline staff do the minimum amount of work.

Flip, an employee app, found that among workers who are demotivated, two-fifths (41%) intend to remain in their current roles for at least three years.

From Unsung Heroes To Quiet Quitters shows that the problem is especially acute in manufacturing, where over half of the workforce admitted to doing the minimum work to keep their job.

According to research, employee disengagement is caused by several factors. The most important of these is a lack in recognition.

Only 4% of employees who are “dissatisfied”, however, feel that they are valued at work.

The other main reasons for dissatisfaction are working conditions and effective communications, with a difference of 66 points between the satisfied and unsatisfied workers.

The data shows that stress and burnout affect the motivation of frontline workers. More than three-quarters (61%) of respondents experience at least one of these symptoms every month. One fifth of respondents (21%) reported experiencing stress or burnout more than once a week.

Only 30% of employees who responded to the survey believe that their managers provide support during times of difficulty.

More than half of respondents (55%) believe that poor communication affects their productivity and/or work quality.

Benedikt brand, CEO of Flip, said: “Frontline workers, who are vital to the economy, often feel stuck and demotivated due to uncertain career prospects and stress. They also lack support systems.”

Many disengaged workers plan to remain in their current roles, despite the fact that a lack engagement is typically associated with less loyalty. Employers will see an impact on their productivity and performance if they don’t take meaningful, urgent steps to improve the employee experience.

Flip’s research highlights key opportunities for employers in closing the motivation gap.

Even though only 43% of those surveyed feel their contribution is valued at work, the majority (88%) do. They are willing to go above and beyond.

More than half (56%) of employees cite good relationships with co-workers as the most important factor in employee motivation, satisfaction and wellbeing. Job security was ranked second with 49%. Predictable hours were rated third by 43%. The fourth place was taken by 42%, which ranked good relationships with managers.

Brand said that to remain competitive, businesses must prioritise the needs of frontline workers and integrate solutions into their daily operations. Brand added: “This means that businesses should not only pay lip service to workplace cultures, but also invest in and think through the delivery of human resources initiatives at multiple points along the employee journey.”

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