4 in 10 employees feel disconnected at work, even in a full office. Our latest research reveals more about connection, communication, and culture in today’s modern workplace.
“Workplaces have spent years optimizing for productivity, flexibility, and efficiency, but many have unintentionally engineered out the everyday human connection that team members need to feel engaged and supported. Leaders now face a difficult balancing act creating workplaces where employees feel connected and supported without forcing an artificial culture or unwanted social expectations.”
Sean D’Arcy · Chief Solutions Officer, Kahoot!
2 in 5
employees feel disconnected at work, even when surrounded by colleagues
UK 40% · US 39%
50%
of employees say meetings are the only time they connect with certain colleagues
UK 46% · US 50%
#1
most-requested manager improvement is clear and effective communication
UK 21% · US 24%
About the report
4000
office workers surveyed in total
US & UK
respondents surveyed across both nations
Spring ’26
survey conducted in May/June of 2026
Workplace cohesiveness
Connection is an untapped resourceWorkforce productivity and performance rely on employees working well together. This means social connection, trust, and communication are more than nice-to-haves; they are key to driving business results.
56%
want closer connections with their colleagues
UK 42% · US 56%
51%
of Gen Z feel disconnected at work, despite being most likely to want closer friendships
UK 51% · US 50%
44%
suppress opinions they think won’t be well-received (“professional masking”)
UK 44% · US 42%
HOW KAHOOT! 360 HELPS
Create shared learning experiences that develop connections organically, especially for onboarding new starters.
Create shared learning experiences that develop connections organically, especially for onboarding new starters.
Create shared learning experiences that develop connections organically, especially for onboarding new starters.
Create shared learning experiences that develop connections organically, especially for onboarding new starters.
The value of meetings
Meetings that drive connection and productivityIn many corporate teams, the pressure to keep meetings “on task” and not waste time is significant. However, the research shows that making space for social connection may be worth the precious minutes.
50%
say meetings are the only time they connect with certain colleagues
UK 46% · US 50%
35%
of UK employees get less than an hour of one-to-one time with their manager per week
UK 35% · US 26%
64%
of US employees say connection-first meetings are overall more effective
UK 57% · US 64%
Ready-made icebreakers, pulse checks, and energizers can shift any room from passive to participatory in 2–5 minutes.
Replace one-way updates with interactive check-ins that surface team sentiment.
Embed interactive moments directly into existing presentation decks with no extra tool or prep time required.
Manager and employee communication
Manager success starts with effective communicationEmployees and managers both acknowledge that sometimes management struggles to provide sufficient support and leadership for their team. The root of this problem is a failure to communicate.
#1
most-requested manager improvement is clear and effective communication
UK 21% · US 24%
38%
of managers experience imposter syndrome
UK 38% · US 36%
38%
of UK managers have never received formal management training
UK 38% · US 29%
HOW KAHOOT! 360 HELPS
Give managers a structured way to gather honest team feedback and act on it visibly.
Help new managers build rapport with their team from day one.
Live Q&A, polls, and brainstorms that create space for employees to flag misalignment in real time.
