The Silent Crisis: Why Employees Are Leaving Despite Perks

Sometimes, feeling okay at work is not enough. We still feel stressed, tired, and lacking a sense of purpose.

Waking up to the same routine every single day may seem alright, but it can leave us wondering: What else is there? Purpose is not a word we hear enough in our workplace. Instead, we often hear: “Work shouldn’t be your safe place, let alone feel like home.”

A recent article from Personio revealed that 48% of employees plan to look for a new role in the next year, with 30% citing stressful work environments as a major factor behind their decision. This is influencing the next generation of workers, and may result in delayed pipelines and lack of talent.

Thirty percent is not a small number. It’s nearly one-third of the workforce—a reality we cannot ignore. Companies invest heavily in benefits, yet stress, tension, and disengagement persist. Why? Because there’s a deeper issue at play: a lack of purpose in the workplace.

The Meaning of Purpose

Purpose can be defined as a guide that helps us act in alignment with who we are and what we believe in. It’s waking up every day with the knowledge that what you’re doing contributes to your personal journey and gets you closer to where you want to be.

A recent study on Gen Z in the workplace revealed that 20% prioritize a work environment that supports their well-being holistically over traditional perks. They lack to find a work environment which contributes to their wellbeing and health.

Work demands our focus on daily tasks, yet how often do we pause to ask: How does this task contribute to my purpose?

This lack of connection between what we do and why we do it creates a void. It leaves employees feeling unfulfilled and disconnected. Eventually, they start considering other job opportunities—not because of the workload, but because something feels incomplete. This is not good news for any company wanting to retain talent.

When companies overlook this, they risk losing their best talent and individuals who might have stayed if only they felt a stronger sense of meaning in their work.

How Can We Fix This?

Holistic approaches have often been reserved for fitness industries, wellness coaches, and lifestyle brands. But it’s time for a 360° wellness approach to influence workplace decisions. What if companies began to view their employees as whole individuals—beyond their job titles? What if they supported employees in understanding themselves 1% more each day?

Here are a few ways to start:

1. Align goals with purpose: Help employees connect their daily tasks with their personal and professional growth.

2. Create spaces for reflection: Offer programs or sessions where individuals can explore their values, strengths, and long-term aspirations.

3. Foster meaningful conversations: Encourage leaders to have open discussions with their teams about their sense of purpose and how the organization supports it.

4. Invest in holistic wellness: Move beyond traditional benefits and design strategies that nurture emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.

When purpose becomes part of the workplace culture, we don’t just create happier employees—we build stronger, more resilient organizations.

Purpose is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for long-term success.