Fear or Apathy? What stops employees speaking up

Feeling (un)heard at work? A representative study of how UK employees feel about speaking up

Our ‘Fear or Apathy?’ study reveals that many UK organisations are missing out on valuable insights and innovation. A lack of comfort in speaking up means that great ideas are going unheard.

Using data gathered from a representative sample of over 2,500 UK workers, this report explores what stops employees from speaking up, whose voices are being overlooked, and the link between psychological safety and accountability.

Key insights from the report include:

Two in five UK employers are keeping their heads down in the ‘apathy zone’.

Believing that people who make mistakes are treated fairly is key to unlocking safety to speak up.

Women are less likely than men to feel that their constructive challenge is valued.

Having psychological safety benefits the wider employee experience and can lead to more positive wellbeing, advocacy and intent to stay.

Download the report to understand what is holding people, and organisations, back from achieving a psychologically safe culture.

For more information, or any questions about the report, email ghassan.karian@ipsos.com

Research and reporting team

Latest insights

Beyond the invite: why survey communications matter

As part of our Steps to Survey Success series, Head of Creative Strategy Rachy McKenzie discusses the importance of survey communications campaigns.

Employee listening is only as good as the questions you ask

As part of our Steps to Survey Success series, Senior Consultant Miles Crosby encourages us to question the questions.

The perfect fit: why you should tailor your employee listening solution

In the first of our Steps to Survey Success series, Consulting Director Josh Reed goes back to basics to look at getting the foundations right.

Welcome to the apathy zone. Population: more than you might think

Many UK organisations are missing out on the best ideas and insights because people aren’t speaking up. What can we do about it?

Engaging the workforce: insights from Ipsos’ People and Climate Change Report

Ipsos has launched the People and Climate Change Report. What does this mean for employers and employees?

Which 'Trust Types' are you talking to? Part 2 of our trust series

Consultant Ruth Prowse explores the four 'trust types' and their role in enhancing your communications strategy.

What builds trust? Part 1 of our trust series

Consultant Emily Cooke dives into what influences workplace trust, how to assess it and how to (re)build it.

Removing the barriers to better learning and development

Consultant Sophie Norton explores the gap between the demand for L&D and available opportunities.

Fear or Apathy? What stops employees speaking up

Feeling (un)heard at work? A representative study of how UK employees feel about speaking up

Latest insights

We'd love to hear from you

Thank you for contacting us.