US Employee Engagement Hits Lowest Level Since 2011
Gallup reports US employee engagement fell to 29% in Q3 2026, driven by declines among remote workers and AI adoption.
Gallup, Inc. reported that employee engagement in the United States fell to 29% in the third quarter of 2026, marking the lowest level since 2011. This represents a two percentage point drop from the previous quarter, meaning approximately 3.2 million fewer workers are engaged. The decline is most severe among hybrid and remote employees, especially in companies that have integrated artificial intelligence.
Data indicates a general erosion of morale, with fewer employees reporting that their supervisors care about them or providing clarity on job expectations. Jim Harter of Gallup noted that AI adoption may be moving faster than the managerial support and communication required to keep employees connected to their organizations.
Other industry data presents a fragmented view of the workforce. The Conference Board reported record-high job satisfaction in June 2026, though these gains were limited to men and higher-income earners. Meanwhile, the American Psychological Association found that workplace stress and tension increased throughout the year.
