Many North American employees feel less fulfilled at work than they did before the pandemic, according to newly released findings from Ricoh USA, Inc. The company’s 2024 North American Workplace Fulfillment Gap Index surveyed more than 2,000 full-time workers in Canada and the United States and found that most employees say their sense of fulfilment is essential to staying with their current employer.
Ricoh said most survey respondents (51%) reported lower fulfilment levels compared to five years ago. Yet 84% pointed to fulfilment as a key reason for remaining at their jobs, even as many employers roll out more rigorous return-to-office policies. The study scored workers’ overall fulfilment at an average of 6.89 out of 10, with remote workers rating themselves slightly lower (6.61) compared to on-site (6.92).
“Companies must go beyond simply offering traditional benefits to offer workers of all ages and backgrounds a meaningful path forward for career development,” said Amy Loomis, research vice-president at IDC. She said the findings highlight how building employee engagement, both in person and remotely, is tied to long-term business success.
Ricoh said about four in five participants (82%) believe their fulfilment at work positively affects their overall happiness, though fewer than one-quarter of respondents (21%) described themselves as completely fulfilled at work. The survey also noted American workers (29%) reported higher levels of fulfilment than their Canadian counterparts (14%).
“Leaders need to be even more visible, transparent and authentic to foster engagement across generations,” said Carsten Bruhn, president and CEO of Ricoh North America. He said the company regularly meets with interns, promotes cross-generational collaboration, and schedules coffee chats to hear from employees early in their careers.
The findings show many North American employees see artificial intelligence as a productivity tool, with two-thirds believing AI will help them work more efficiently. Hybrid workers (73%) were more likely to say this than on-site or fully remote employees. Meanwhile, 60% of respondents agreed that AI could give them more time for personal interests.
“Companies must address this growing gap in what employees view as fulfilling and what is being provided,” said Donna Venable, chief human resources and shared services officer for Ricoh North America. She said ongoing feedback loops, mentorship opportunities and a strong workplace culture can help close the fulfilment gap.
