In sharp reversal, workers say they value stability over perks

Summary

Perceptyx’s ten-year, 20‑million‑response study found a “historic reversal” in employee engagement drivers: in 2025 workers put organisational stability — confidence in senior leaders and the company’s ability to handle change — above feelings of belonging and being valued. Those previously top-ranked emotional drivers fell to fourth and fifth place.

The research points to economic uncertainty as a likely cause. Layoffs, reorganisations and M&A activity erode intent to stay, and employees now judge employers first on credibility, stability and effective leadership. Other reports (Eagle Hill Consulting, Conference Board, The Grossman Group) back up concerns that many organisations struggle with change management and that workers can only absorb a limited number of major changes each year.

Key Points

Perceptyx analysed 20 million worker responses over a decade and recorded a major shift in 2025.
Belonging and feeling valued dropped from the top two engagement drivers to fourth and fifth.
The top driver now is the perception that change is handled effectively by the organisation.
Economic uncertainty and recent waves of layoffs, reorganisations and M&A are likely drivers of the shift.
Multiple studies indicate change management is a common organisational weakness; many workers can only handle 1–2 major changes a year.
Employee engagement is especially vulnerable during periods of change, which lowers intent to stay.

Why should I read this?

Because perks are no longer the headline — people want a steady ship. If you work in HR or run teams, this flips your checklist: stop prioritising novelty perks over credible leadership, clear change plans and stability. We’ve read the study so you can act fast.