HP has released the third annual HP Work Relationship Index (WRI), a global study that examines how people around the world feel about their relationship with work.
This year’s results reveal that fulfillment at work has hit a historic low. Only 20% of knowledge workers report a healthy relationship with work, down 8 points from 2024. The most dramatic decline is among business leaders, underscoring a crisis of connection and confidence at the very top. Yet the study also finds that 85% of the factors influencing workplace fulfillment are within an organization’s control, underscoring a significant opportunity for businesses to lead change and rebuild stronger work relationships.
For example, only 44% of knowledge workers say their work gives them a sense of purpose, and just 39% feel they receive adequate recognition for their contributions. These are fixable problems that will be critical as businesses seek to embrace a more fulfilling future of work.
“The findings from this year’s Work Relationship Index reinforce that the way we work is changing fast,” stated Peter Oganesean, Managing Director of HP Middle East and East Africa. “As younger professionals set new expectations around flexibility, autonomy and purpose, business leaders have a clear mandate: to create environments where people feel connected, valued and empowered to succeed. Fulfillment at work isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a business imperative.”
The 2025 Work Relationship Index shows employees under pressure, with many reporting rising expectations and a sense of disconnection. More than 6 in 10 desk-based workers say their company’s expectations have increased over the past year, while nearly half feel their employer prioritizes profit over people.
At the same time, the findings highlight an opportunity: businesses can reshape the employee experience through stronger leadership, recognition, flexibility and access to the right tools. By taking action now, organizations can turn today’s challenges into a foundation for healthier and more fulfilling work relationships.
Research confirms that fulfilled employees are not only happier, but also more likely to drive positive outcomes for their organizations. Workers in the “Healthy Zone” are three times more likely to feel connected to colleagues, achieve work-life balance and contribute to business growth.
The 2025 Index also demonstrates AI’s potential to reshape the work experience. Four in ten knowledge workers now use AI daily, and those with access to work-provided AI tools are twice as likely to report a healthy relationship with work. Yet adoption gaps remain: just 21% of knowledge workers describe themselves as proficient in AI, compared to 56% of IT decision makers.
Businesses that democratize access to AI – through tools and training – are seeing measurable gains in optimism, productivity and retention.
An increasing focus of business leaders, and of this year’s Index, is the immediate impact of young professionals. Gen Z and Millennials, now the majority of the global workforce, are reshaping work with new expectations.
- 51% of Gen Z workers report having a side hustle.
- 4 in 5 Gen Z employees would give up part of their salary for more flexibility and autonomy.
- Younger generations are leading AI adoption, demanding purpose-driven leadership, and leaving companies that fail to keep up.
