From quiet hiring and “do more with less” strategies to AI anxiety, discover how people are working—and what your team can do to stay ahead.
From quiet hiring and “do more with less” strategies to AI anxiety, discover how people are working—and what your team can do to stay ahead.
From quiet hiring and “do more with less” strategies to AI anxiety, discover how people are working—and what your team can do to stay ahead.
Quiet hiring and work culture
Expanding workloads,
Expanding
workloads,
wobbly work-life
wobbly work-life balance
balance
Shh: Quiet hiring is on the rise
To close skill gaps, some companies are relying on employees to shoulder new responsibilities—also known as quiet hiring. And 53% of business leaders¹ have adjusted recruitment to consolidate multiple roles into one.
But while expectations grow, paychecks disappoint.
73% of business professionals have taken on more responsibilities
50% have seen no change in compensation
To close skill gaps, some companies are relying on employees to shoulder new responsibilities—also known as quiet hiring. And 53% of business leaders¹ have adjusted recruitment to consolidate multiple roles into one.
But while expectations grow, paychecks disappoint.
73% of business professionals have taken on more responsibilities
50% have seen no change in compensation
The hidden cost of hustle
In the last six months, 62% of business pros have felt more stressed about work, particularly those in leadership positions (73% of managers+ vs. 59% of non-managers).
48% of business pros have been working late more often in the last six months
45% have worried more about job security
In the last six months, 62% of business pros have felt more stressed about work, particularly those in leadership positions (73% of managers+ vs. 59% of non-managers).
48% of business pros have been working late more often in the last six months
45% have worried more about job security
The hidden cost of hustle
In the last six months, 62% of business pros have felt more stressed about work, particularly those in leadership positions (73% of managers+ vs. 59% of non-managers).
48% of business pros have been working late more often in the last six months
45% have worried more about job security
The good news is, with new work comes opportunity:
85% of business pros feel they’ve had the opportunity to learn new things at work in the last 6 months.
3 tactical shifts to elevate employee experiences
Reduce stress and burnout
Heads up
Only a quarter of business leaders are conducting employee feedback surveys—so they may be missing the true impact of quiet hiring and how employees are actually feeling.
Get ahead
Bust burnout before it hits with engagement surveys, real-time pulse surveys, and work-life balance surveys. For an even deeper understanding of people's experiences, look at responses by department, demographic, or tenure.
Do fewer things better
Work smarter, move faster
3 tactical shifts to elevate employee experiences
Reduce stress and burnout
Heads up
Only a quarter of business leaders are conducting employee feedback surveys—so they may be missing the true impact of quiet hiring and how employees are actually feeling.
Get ahead
Bust burnout before it hits with engagement surveys, real-time pulse surveys, and work-life balance surveys. For an even deeper understanding of people's experiences, look at responses by department, demographic, or tenure.
Do fewer things better
Work smarter, move faster
3 tactical shifts to elevate employee experiences
Reduce stress and burnout
Heads up
Only a quarter of business leaders are conducting employee feedback surveys—so they may be missing the true impact of quiet hiring and how employees are actually feeling.
Get ahead
Bust burnout before it hits with engagement surveys, real-time pulse surveys, and work-life balance surveys. For an even deeper understanding of people's experiences, look at responses by department, demographic, or tenure.
Do fewer things better
Work smarter, move faster
"SurveyMonkey allows our employees to provide thoughts, feedback, and opinions that they may be uncomfortable sharing in a person-to-person conversation. It’s helping us bring much better transparency and visibility to each step in our employee journey."
Hillary Granda
Head of Connected Operations and Strategic Projects
"SurveyMonkey allows our employees to provide thoughts, feedback, and opinions that they may be uncomfortable sharing in a person-to-person conversation. It’s helping us bring much better transparency and visibility to each step in our employee journey."
Hillary Granda
Head of Connected Operations and Strategic Projects
"SurveyMonkey allows our employees to provide thoughts, feedback, and opinions that they may be uncomfortable sharing in a person-to-person conversation. It’s helping us bring much better transparency and visibility to each step in our employee journey."
Hillary Granda
Head of Connected Operations and Strategic Projects
Gather the insights you need to support employees
Gather the insights you need to support employees
Gather the insights you need to support employees
Collaboration and productivity
Focus time: Improving work efficiency
Focus time: Improving
work
efficiency
Doing more with less vs. doing fewer things better
Impact over activity is the name of the game for many companies right now.
Two-thirds (67%) of business pros report that their companies have adopted a “do more with less” approach in the last 6 months. Half of leaders say they’re asking their teams to focus on doing fewer things, better.
Impact over activity is the name of the game for many companies right now. Two-thirds (67%) of business pros report that their companies have adopted a “do more with less” approach in the last 6 months. Half of leaders say they’re asking their teams to focus on doing fewer things, better.
What’s killing collaboration?
Team dynamics can make or break collaboration. So what do you need to know about potential blockers? Well, the most difficult people to work with are responsibility-dodgers and poor communicators. And everyone agrees Gen Z is the generation that’s hardest to get along with at work—even Gen Z.
Check out more workplace trends on job pet peeves and generational divides.
Team dynamics can make or break collaboration. So what do you need to know about potential blockers? Well, the most difficult people to work with are responsibility-dodgers and poor communicators. And everyone agrees Gen Z is the generation that’s hardest to get along with at work—even Gen Z.
Check out more workplace trends on job pet peeves and generational divides.
The reality of using AI at work
Despite the headlines and hype, not everyone’s relying on AI at work, especially older generations; in fact, 44% of business pros feel behind the curve using the technology. Only 15% feel ahead of the curve, with 35% saying they’re on track.
Usage doesn’t just differ by generations. Leaders are more likely to be using AI at work (47%) than non-managers (28%).
The reality of using AI at work
Despite the headlines and hype, not everyone’s relying on AI at work, especially older generations; in fact, 44% of business pros feel behind the curve using the technology. Only 15% feel ahead of the curve, with 35% saying they’re on track.
Usage doesn’t just differ by generations. Leaders are more likely to be using AI at work (47%) than non-managers (28%).
The reality of using AI at work
Despite the headlines and hype, not everyone’s relying on AI at work, especially older generations; in fact, 44% of business pros feel behind the curve using the technology. Only 15% feel ahead of the curve, with 35% saying they’re on track.
Usage doesn’t just differ by generations. Leaders are more likely to be using AI at work (47%) than non-managers (28%).
3 strategies to increase your impact at work
Improve management strategies
Heads up
Leaders who use employee surveys are more likely to say they’re encouraging asynchronous work (54% vs. 42% of non-surveyors), incorporating focus hours (42% vs. 24%), empowering employees to take ownership of their work (84% vs. 78%), and telling their team to focus on doing fewer things, better (53% vs. 40%).
Get ahead
When you keep up with employee sentiment, it’s much easier to know what your team needs—from focus time to learning and development (L&D). Use employee surveys to collect critical insights, including manager feedback, and see how you can evolve as a leader.
Help employees maximize their time
Boost productivity with targeted L&D
3 strategies to increase your impact at work
Improve management strategies
Heads up
Leaders who use employee surveys are more likely to say they’re encouraging asynchronous work (54% vs. 42% of non-surveyors), incorporating focus hours (42% vs. 24%), empowering employees to take ownership of their work (84% vs. 78%), and telling their team to focus on doing fewer things, better (53% vs. 40%).
Get ahead
When you keep up with employee sentiment, it’s much easier to know what your team needs—from focus time to learning and development (L&D). Use employee surveys to collect critical insights, including manager feedback, and see how you can evolve as a leader.
Help employees maximize their time
Boost productivity with targeted L&D
3 strategies to increase your impact at work
Improve management strategies
Heads up
Leaders who use employee surveys are more likely to say they’re encouraging asynchronous work (54% vs. 42% of non-surveyors), incorporating focus hours (42% vs. 24%), empowering employees to take ownership of their work (84% vs. 78%), and telling their team to focus on doing fewer things, better (53% vs. 40%).
Get ahead
When you keep up with employee sentiment, it’s much easier to know what your team needs—from focus time to learning and development (L&D). Use employee surveys to collect critical insights, including manager feedback, and see how you can evolve as a leader.
Help employees maximize their time
Boost productivity with targeted L&D
Ready to set your employees up for success?
Ready to set your employees up for success?
Ready to set your employees up for success?
Hiring and recruiting
Talent landscape:
From credentials to capabilities
Hiring has become more challenging
Almost half (48%) of leaders say it’s become harder to fill roles with qualified candidates in the last 6 months.
Hiring strategies are leaning toward money-saving solutions like onboarding more contractors and workers in lower-cost markets.
Degrees are out, skills-based hiring is in
Eight in ten business leaders say skills and experience are more important than education in hiring for their teams, while just 18% say education is more important.
Job must-haves differ for Gen Z and Millennials
What older workers see as perks or unimportant in a job, younger workers see as essentials:
Flexible schedule
Telecommuting/WFH
Paid parental leave
Company-provided meals
Gen Z
49%
36%
7%
Millennials
46%
43%
8%
Gen x
40%
48%
8%
Boomers
34%
ab
45%
ab
14%
ab
Must-have
Perk
Not important
a Significantly different from Gen Z (p<.05 at 95% confidence level) | b Significantly different from Millennials (p<.05 at 95% confidence level)
Flexible schedule
Telecommuting/WFH
Paid parental leave
Company-provided meals
Gen Z
49%
36%
7%
Millennials
46%
43%
8%
Gen x
40%
48%
8%
Boomers
34%
ab
45%
ab
14%
ab
Must-have
Perk
Not important
a Significantly different from Gen Z (p<.05 at 95% confidence level) | b Significantly different from Millennials (p<.05 at 95% confidence level)
Flexible schedule
Telecommuting/WFH
Paid parental leave
Company-provided meals
Gen Z
49%
36%
7%
Millenn.
46%
43%
8%
Gen x
40%
48%
8%
Boomers
34%
ab
45%
ab
14%
ab
Must-have
Perk
Not important
a Significantly different from Gen Z (p<.05 at 95% confidence level) |
b Significantly different from Millennials (p<.05 at 95% confidence level)
SurveyMonkey “Business Trends” study
SurveyMonkey “Business Trends” study
Related resources
HR playbook:
4 recruitment essentials
Recruit smarter
Use our recruiting satisfaction survey template to uncover how to deliver better candidate experiences and attract top talent.
Create a competitive benefits package
Send employee benefits surveys regularly to keep up with what employees want, need, and expect—and spot shifting priorities.
Iron out processes
Use our job application form to streamline how you collect applicant info. Easily manage all data in one platform.
Optimize workplace perks
Use MaxDiff to find out what amenities are most important, then prioritize the right improvements.
Related resources
HR playbook:
4 recruitment essentialsRecruit smarter
Use our recruiting satisfaction survey template to uncover how to deliver better candidate experiences and attract top talent.
Create a competitive benefits package
Send employee benefits surveys regularly to keep up with what employees want, need, and expect—and spot shifting priorities.
Iron out processes
Use our job application form to streamline how you collect applicant info. Easily manage all data in one platform.
Optimize workplace perks
Use MaxDiff to find out what amenities are most important, then prioritize the right improvements.
Related resources
HR playbook:
4 recruitment essentialsRecruit smarter
Use our recruiting satisfaction survey template to uncover how to deliver better candidate experiences and attract top talent.
Create a competitive benefits package
Send employee benefits surveys regularly to keep up with what employees want, need, and expect—and spot shifting priorities.
Iron out processes
Use our job application form to streamline how you collect applicant info. Easily manage all data in one platform.
Optimize workplace perks
Use MaxDiff to find out what amenities are most important, then prioritize the right improvements.
Related resources
HR playbook:
4 recruitment essentialsRecruit smarter
Use our recruiting satisfaction survey template to uncover how to deliver better candidate experiences and attract top talent.
Create a competitive benefits package
Send employee benefits surveys regularly to keep up with what employees want, need, and expect—and spot shifting priorities.
Iron out processes
Use our job application form to streamline how you collect applicant info. Easily manage all data in one platform.
Optimize workplace perks
Use MaxDiff to find out what amenities are most important, then prioritize the right improvements.
Related resources
HR playbook:
4 recruitment essentialsRecruit smarter
Use our recruiting satisfaction survey template to uncover how to deliver better candidate experiences and attract top talent.
Create a competitive benefits package
Send employee benefits surveys regularly to keep up with what employees want, need, and expect—and spot shifting priorities.
Iron out processes
Use our job application form to streamline how you collect applicant info. Easily manage all data in one platform.
Optimize workplace perks
Use MaxDiff to find out what amenities are most important, then prioritize the right improvements.
Related resources
HR playbook:
4 recruitment essentialsRecruit smarter
Use our recruiting satisfaction survey template to uncover how to deliver better candidate experiences and attract top talent.
Create a competitive benefits package
Send employee benefits surveys regularly to keep up with what employees want, need, and expect—and spot shifting priorities.
Iron out processes
Use our job application form to streamline how you collect applicant info. Easily manage all data in one platform.
Optimize workplace perks
Use MaxDiff to find out what amenities are most important, then prioritize the right improvements.
Related resources
HR playbook:
4 recruitment essentialsRecruit smarter
Use our recruiting satisfaction survey template to uncover how to deliver better candidate experiences and attract top talent.
Create a competitive benefits package
Send employee benefits surveys regularly to keep up with what employees want, need, and expect—and spot shifting priorities.
Iron out processes
Use our job application form to streamline how you collect applicant info. Easily manage all data in one platform.
Optimize workplace perks
Use MaxDiff to find out what amenities are most important, then prioritize the right improvements.
Related resources
HR playbook:
4 recruitment essentialsRecruit smarter
Use our recruiting satisfaction survey template to uncover how to deliver better candidate experiences and attract top talent.
Create a competitive benefits package
Send employee benefits surveys regularly to keep up with what employees want, need, and expect—and spot shifting priorities.
Iron out processes
Use our job application form to streamline how you collect applicant info. Easily manage all data in one platform.
Optimize workplace perks
Use MaxDiff to find out what amenities are most important, then prioritize the right improvements.
Related resources
HR playbook:
4 recruitment essentialsRecruit smarter
Use our recruiting satisfaction survey template to uncover how to deliver better candidate experiences and attract top talent.
Create a competitive benefits package
Send employee benefits surveys regularly to keep up with what employees want, need, and expect—and spot shifting priorities.
Iron out processes
Use our job application form to streamline how you collect applicant info. Easily manage all data in one platform.
Optimize workplace perks
Use MaxDiff to find out what amenities are most important, then prioritize the right improvements.
Related resources
HR playbook:
4 recruitment essentialsRecruit smarter
Use our recruiting satisfaction survey template to uncover how to deliver better candidate experiences and attract top talent.
Create a competitive benefits package
Send employee benefits surveys regularly to keep up with what employees want, need, and expect—and spot shifting priorities.
Iron out processes
Use our job application form to streamline how you collect applicant info. Easily manage all data in one platform.
Optimize workplace perks
Use MaxDiff to find out what amenities are most important, then prioritize the right improvements.
Related resources
HR playbook:
4 recruitment essentialsRecruit smarter
Use our recruiting satisfaction survey template to uncover how to deliver better candidate experiences and attract top talent.
Create a competitive benefits package
Send employee benefits surveys regularly to keep up with what employees want, need, and expect—and spot shifting priorities.
Iron out processes
Use our job application form to streamline how you collect applicant info. Easily manage all data in one platform.
Optimize workplace perks
Use MaxDiff to find out what amenities are most important, then prioritize the right improvements.
Related resources
HR playbook:
4 recruitment essentialsRecruit smarter
Use our recruiting satisfaction survey template to uncover how to deliver better candidate experiences and attract top talent.
Create a competitive benefits package
Send employee benefits surveys regularly to keep up with what employees want, need, and expect—and spot shifting priorities.
Iron out processes
Use our job application form to streamline how you collect applicant info. Easily manage all data in one platform.
Optimize workplace perks
Use MaxDiff to find out what amenities are most important, then prioritize the right improvements.
Start creating better employee experiences
Start creating better employee experiences
Start creating better employee experiences
METHODOLOGY
¹SurveyMonkey “Business Trends” study was conducted March 25-31, 2025 among a sample of 2,912 business professionals in marketing, customer experience, human resources, and other roles involving surveys or feedback. A supplemental survey was conducted at the same time among 2,481 US adults. Respondents for this survey were selected from the more than 2 million people who take surveys on our platform each day. The modeled error estimate for this survey is plus or minus 2.0 percentage points.
²SurveyMonkey “Get Real Results” study was conducted February 18-24, 2025 among a sample of 2,795 workers in the US. Respondents for this survey were selected from a non-probability online panel. The modeled error estimate for this survey is plus or minus 2.0 percentage points.
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