In the latest edition of the Global Talent Barometer, UK workers reported an overall score of 69% for 2026, reflecting weakened confidence as wellbeing and job satisfaction remained steady.
Now in its third instalment, the Global Talent Barometer – reflecting worker sentiment across three indices comprised of twelve distinct benchmarks – reveals what employees need and value most, helping employers understand and act on key drivers to attract and retain top talent in a changing world.ManpowerGroup interviewed 13,918 workers across 19 countries, including 1,018 from the UK, to ask how they felt about their wellbeing, job satisfaction and confidence.
The overall UK score stands at 69% for 2026, down 2 points on last year, driven primarily by a fall in the Confidence Index, while overall Wellbeing and Job Satisfaction remain steady. Worker confidence in using tech and tools has seen an 18-point decline since last year – the sharpest fall across all sentiment measures. Meanwhile, 57% of workers report no recent training and no mentorship, while career development sentiment has slipped to 75%, down 4 points year-on-year.
