Motivation at work eroding: here's how to reverse the trend

More and more workers report that they have little or no motivation to do their job. A trend that has clearly accelerated over the past three years. Whereas in 2023, 15.4% of Belgian workers reported feeling little or no motivation in the workplace, that number rose to 16.3% by the end of 2025.

This is according to Mensura's motivation barometer, which analysed data from some 80,000 employees in our country.

Less motivation, more absence

Julie Daenen, mental well-being expert at Mensura: "A lack of motivation in the workplace is pernicious for productivity in the first place. But it can also contribute to short- or long-term absence. At the same time, motivation is a determining factor for successful reintegration after long-term absence.

Because we are all working longer, for the first time ever there are now six different generations together in the workplace. And this in an era of turbo change due to AI and other technologies. So more than ever, it is important for companies and executives to create positive momentum. This can be done through coaching leadership, based on a clear vision and with emphasis on a meaningful job. Connection and psychological safety will determine success more than ever in this regard."

Older people most motivated at work

Perhaps contrary to common perception, older workers (60+) are actually the most enthusiastic about their work. 84.6% report being motivated to a (reasonably) high degree in the workplace. This is a slight decrease compared to 2021, when 87.7% made this claim.

Unlike those in their sixties, those in their twenties appear to be the least motivated to work. Almost one in five (18.9%) finds little or no motivation in their job. Five years ago, it was 15.9%.

The study also indicates which factors contribute most to motivation in the workplace. Julie Daenen: "Sufficient variety in the job comes first for both age groups. But while older people attach much more importance to the overall company culture, younger people rate the emotional link more highly.

These insights highlight the importance of sustainable employment. Companies need to ask themselves the question: 'What can we do to make careers even more sustainable? How can we engage young people in a positive way and make their job more meaningful?' Nor should we lose sight of older people. They are often intrinsically motivated, but are not always employed appropriately. A great example that links both aspects is a mentoring programme, where experienced staff guide young people and help them grow in their job."

Addressing young workers starting a family

A final striking finding from the survey: within the young age group, a clear distinction emerges between the categories under 25-year-olds and the 25-30-year-olds. In the latter group, the percentage of workers with little or no motivation to work is significantly higher (20.7%) than among -25-year-olds (16.0%).

"We are facing an era of change where young people desire a different approach in guidance, coaching and meaning. They enter the workplace from a very different reality, often dominated by digital stimuli, with lots more information and opinions than ever, as they navigate their way.

The 25 to 30-year-olds are workers who are given more responsibility in their job after an initial work experience. In addition, they experience how difficult the work-life balance can be when starting a family. These are potentially factors that explain the differences within Gen Z and are best taken into account as an employer."