Employee engagement declines as burnout reshapes workplace loyalty, study finds

Employee engagement has declined in recent years, with research from Resume Genius suggesting a combination of burnout and financial pressure affecting how employees feel about their roles.

According to a report from Resume Genius, engagement has fallen from its 2020 peak, with data from Gallup indicating there are now around eight million fewer engaged workers across the US.

The 2026 Employee Engagement Report identified several key factors behind the shift, including rising levels of burnout, increased financial stress and a decline in perceived management support.

The findings suggest that disengagement is less about dissatisfaction with work itself and more about wider conditions affecting employees’ wellbeing and sense of security.

Nathan Soto, career expert at Resume Genius, said: “Engagement isn’t just about whether employees like their jobs. It also translates to whether they feel secure and supported in their jobs as the nature of work changes.

“AI may be increasing productivity, but if it also increases anxiety or weakens social connections, employers could see employee loyalty quietly decline, even as engagement rises in the short term.”

The report highlighted burnout as a significant factor, particularly among younger workers.

Around 75% of Gen Z employees said they experience burnout at least sometimes, with 27% reporting frequent burnout and 14% saying they feel burned out all the time.