Over a third (36%) of employees in the UK start the week on Monday morning feeling tired despite the weekend break, according to a new survey of 763 people by Canada Life Group Insurance. More than one in ten (12%) describe themselves as feeling depressed, while 20% are stressed or anxious.
Employee satisfaction could be linked to financial matters, as almost a third of employees (32%) indicated a higher salary would boost their workplace motivation. The financial security gained from protection products improves the motivation and productivity of nearly a quarter (24%) of staff.
Monday morning malaise signals discontent among workers
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When Monday morning rolls around, although one in five feel content, only 8% feel energetic and 4% feel creative. Over one in ten (11%) are bored before the week has begun while the same proportion describe themselves as apathetic.
Monday morning moods
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Negative |
Positive |
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Tired – 36% |
Content – 20% |
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Depressed – 12% |
Relaxed – 13% |
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Bored – 11% |
Energetic – 8% |
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Apathetic – 11% |
Creative – 4% |
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Stressed – 10% |
Inspired – 3% |
Workplace motivation is most negatively affected by work related stress (16%), while 14% find that unpleasant colleagues damage their motivation at work. The same proportion (14%) blame a lack of incentive such as recognition or bonuses, while 13% say an unmanageable workload makes it hard for them to feel motivated at work.
A fifth (20%) would do nothing if they felt demotivated at work, with 12% too afraid of losing their job and 8% too scared to tell their employer in case they thought they were a bad or lazy worker. Almost a third (28%) would complain to colleagues but otherwise keep it to themselves.
Financial security key to workplace mood
Employees feeling sluggish at the beginning of the week could find that enthusiasm for their job is linked to their income because 32% say that a higher salary would improve their workplace motivation. An additional 9% look to cash bonuses to spark their interest.
An overall sense of financial security also aids workplace performance, as almost a quarter (24%) of those who have financial protection in place in case they become unwell and are unable to work say knowing they are covered improves both their workplace motivation and productivity.
Other boosts to workplace motivation unrelated to money include recognition from employers and/or peers for doing a good job (15%), feeling supported and valued by an employer (7%) and being able to use skills and abilities to their fullest (7%).
Paul Avis, Marketing Director at Canada Life Group comments: “Most people would say Monday wasn’t their favourite day of the week, but starting work feeling depressed, anxious, tired and stressed signals that employees are experiencing serious problems in the workplace but are neglecting to address them.
“Employees should never feel too scared to tell their boss that they are unhappy and demotivated, as only through communication can these types of problems be solved. If employees are really unhappy about tackling these problems head on, an Employee Assistance Programme can provide third-party assistance and advice. If employees’ problems are money related, employers providing financial protection, such as Group Income Protection, can go a long way to improve financial security and also contentment and productivity at work”
