ADVERTISEMENT

After going up in recent years, employee engagement in the U.S. saw its first annual decline in a decade, dropping from 36% in 2020 to 34% in 2021, according to Gallup data.

This pattern has continued into early 2022, as 32% of full- and part-time employees working for organizations were engaged, while 17% are actively disengaged, an increase of one percentage point from the previous year.

The researchers said that some of the elements that decreased the most during this period were people's level of agreement that they have clear expectations, the right materials and equipment, the opportunity to do what they do best every day, and a connection to the mission or purpose of their organization.

But to get a better understanding of how these factors manifest in real life, let's take a look at the Instagram account 'Employed AF.' It shares memes about the struggles in jobs from all sorts of industries, hilariously describing what it's like to be a part of the modern workforce.

More info: Instagram

Employers should take note of these memes too. In a perfect world, they should be aware of their workers' emotional state. "Disengaged, unhappy people aren't any fun to work with, don't add much value, and impact our organizations (and our economy) in profoundly negative ways," says Annie McKee, who is a senior fellow at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education and the director of the PennCLO Executive Doctoral Program.

"It's even worse when leaders are disengaged because they infect others with their attitude. Their emotions and mindset impact others' moods and performance tremendously. After all, how we feel is linked to what and how we think. In other words, thought influences emotion, and emotion influences thinking."

#4

Work-Memes-Iamemployedaf

iamemployedaf , jglackk Report

Add photo comments
POST
p_walerjan avatar
Premislaus de Colo
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This phrase actually means "Once you accumulate enough weath, accumulating even more does not make you happy". It's being exploited to make us feel complacent with what we have so that the elites can have more

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

McKee believes that it's time to finally blow up the myth that feelings don't matter at work.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Science is on our side," she says. "There are clear neurological links between feelings, thoughts, and actions. When we are in the grip of strong negative emotions, it's like having blinders on. We focus mostly — sometimes only — on the source of the pain. We don't process information as well, think creatively, or make good decisions. Frustration, anger, and stress cause an important part of us to shut down —the thinking, engaged part. Disengagement is a natural neurological and psychological response to pervasive negative emotions."

#7

Work-Memes-Iamemployedaf

iamemployedaf , causticbob Report

Add photo comments
POST
michaellargey avatar
Michael Largey
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Every so often, talk to your bosses when you're in an extra good mood. It will confuse and frighten them and made them wonder what you know that they don't.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#8

Work-Memes-Iamemployedaf

iamemployedaf , Lhlodder Report

Add photo comments
POST
feuerrabe avatar
VioletHunter
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Smart grandma. Everyone should have separate accounts though. They don't even have to be secret.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Work-Memes-Iamemployedaf

iamemployedaf , LauraAnnSTL Report

Add photo comments
POST
catpalmer321 avatar
Cat Palmer
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For some reason this reminded me of the time I was in a whole company Zoom meeting and the cat started digging to Australia in her litter tray so I muted myself to yell at her to [poop] more quietly and discovered that the host had muted everyone and I had unmuted myself so the entire company heard me yelling at the cat about sh****ng, so if anyone wants me I'll be here dying of embarrassment at the memory.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Over the span of a few years, McKee and her team at the Teleos Leadership Institute have set out to study dozens of organizations and interviewed thousands of people.

Their findings about the links between people's feelings and engagement are fascinating. "There are clear similarities in what people say they want and need, no matter where they are from, whom they work for, or what they do," she explains. "We often assume that there are huge differences across industries and around the world but the research challenges that assumption."

ADVERTISEMENT
#10

'employed Af': 50 Hilariously And Painfully Relatable Memes About Work (New Pics)

angess_girl Report

Add photo comments
POST
#11

Work-Memes-Iamemployedaf

iamemployedaf Report

Add photo comments
POST
vasanaphong424 avatar
Vasana Phong
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When ever a boss goes” can I speak to you in my office “, of course your heart rate is going to go up, so saying that beforehand is just wonderful

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#12

Work-Memes-Iamemployedaf

iamemployedaf , McJesse Report

Add photo comments
POST
alexdavis_1 avatar
Alex Davis
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know some companies that do sort of 'school trips' with their employees. One place I worked at we went on a water sports day out and learnt all about the reservoir we were at worked and then got to have fun doing various water sports or land based activities for those who didn't want water. Should happen more often imo, was great none forced team bonding. We also did bowling, trips to national trust places and all sorts. They weren't compulsory but everyone went. Staff moral was so high and I'm still friends with many 10+ years later!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#13

Work-Memes-Iamemployedaf

iamemployedaf Report

Add photo comments
POST
flash_henry avatar
detective miller's hat
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I don't say some version of this at least once a day, am I even doing my job?

View more commentsArrow down menu

To be fully engaged and happy, virtually everyone told the researchers they wanted three things, starting with a meaningful vision of the future.

"When people talked with our ... team about what was working or not in their organizations, and what helped or hindered them the most, they talked about vision," McKee shared.

"People want to be able to see the future and know how they fit in. And, as we know from our work with Richard Boyatzis on intentional change, people learn and change when they have a personal vision that is linked to an organizational vision."

Sadly, far too many leaders do not paint a very compelling vision of the future and they don’t communicate well. This is a major reason why they lose people.

ADVERTISEMENT

Then, there's a sense of purpose. "People want to feel as if their work matters, and that their contributions help to achieve something really important," McKee continued.

"And except for those at the tippy top, shareholder value isn’t a meaningful goal that excites and engages them. They want to know that they — and their organizations — are doing something big that matters to other people."

#21

Work-Memes-Iamemployedaf

iamemployedaf Report

Add photo comments
POST
flash_henry avatar
detective miller's hat
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was kind of hoping for some grey at my temples at this point so I can finally look like an Adult. 39, none have shown up yet.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Finally, we have great relationships. According to McKee, people join an organization and leave a boss, so a dissonant relationship with your superior is downright painful.

ADVERTISEMENT

But so too are bad relationships with colleagues. Leaders, managers, and employees have all told the researchers that close, trusting, and supportive relationships are hugely important to their state of mind — and their willingness to contribute to a team.

#22

Work-Memes-Iamemployedaf

iamemployedaf Report

Add photo comments
POST
harrydotmdotmoore avatar
Fakeus nameus
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some days I feel like I should just climb out the window and leave

View more commentsArrow down menu
#23

Work-Memes-Iamemployedaf

iamemployedaf Report

Emotions matter a lot at work, and happiness is important to everyone. To find out more about the stuff that gets in its way, open up our previous publication on the 'Employed AF' Instagram account.

#26

Work-Memes-Iamemployedaf

iamemployedaf Report

Add photo comments
POST
lismarie avatar
Undercover
Community Member
6 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The confusing thing is that you can never predict how you'll perform this day

robwoollard avatar
Rob Woollard
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Having adhd myself I can totally relate to this. Especially the 2nd one lol

thecultofbambi avatar
CultOfBambi
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't even have ADHD and I do this. It's a very stressful way to exist but I can't stop myself from wasting time when I don't have tight deadlines. :(

Load More Replies...
trish_3 avatar
Trish
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm having a 30-minute sort of day. I'll let Tuesday Trish worry about the 30 hours of work that needs to be done.

damonhill avatar
Seadog
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The problem with 30 hours in 8 is once you do it, they expect that every day.

View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#27

Work-Memes-Iamemployedaf

iamemployedaf , danielleweisber Report

Add photo comments
POST
joolee avatar
OnlyMe
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't worry, it's not for long. Climate change is destroying all that.

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#29

Work-Memes-Iamemployedaf

iamemployedaf , femaleredhead Report

Add photo comments
POST
igor914624 avatar
Igor914624
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

From a 30 year IT vet... thank you for the appreciation. And I love the "Tech Daddy" moniker.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#30

Work-Memes-Iamemployedaf

iamemployedaf Report

Add photo comments
POST
c-chotwattakawanich avatar
Passerby
Community Member
6 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I teach online, and I sometimes use those 3 minutes to ponder whether I should quickly use the toilet, or hold it in for a while so I have a legitimate excuse to have a small break during the class. Don't get me wrong, I love teaching, but it can be so tedious at times, especially when it is at the end of the day and I have been teaching for 5+ hours already. (For reference, I once had around 180 hours of teaching in a month. It's not my current workplace. Mind you, this is just teaching hour and nothing else.)

View more commentsArrow down menu
#31

Work-Memes-Iamemployedaf

iamemployedaf Report

Add photo comments
POST
gusgallifrey avatar
Gustav Gallifrey
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Has to be 15 years. No way they could have the necessary experience after only 10 years. As for 5 years experience, ha!, worthless rookies.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#32

Work-Memes-Iamemployedaf

iamemployedaf Report

Add photo comments
POST
gusgallifrey avatar
Gustav Gallifrey
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Australia, Xmas and New Year are summer events, so we have that going for us, which is nice. (Going the the beach on Xmas Day is almost a tradition for lots of us.)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#36

Work-Memes-Iamemployedaf

iamemployedaf Report

Add photo comments
POST
zoel-krieger avatar
HurlWurk
Community Member
6 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just reply to emails "my fault, it's fixed", and move on. People don't know how to attack someone that accepts blame easily, but they can waste hours complaining about people who dodge responsibility for missing an apostrophe.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#37

Work-Memes-Iamemployedaf

iamemployedaf , andlikelaura Report

Add photo comments
POST
meganboswell avatar
Megalodon Meg
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My boss just called me into his office to ask if I had any more peppermint patties

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#39

Work-Memes-Iamemployedaf

iamthirtyaf Report

Add photo comments
POST
iamnichole091986 avatar
Nichole Harris
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My hubby and I do that together..... We alternate reassuring each other that we're not horrible lazy people 🤣

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#40

Work-Memes-Iamemployedaf

iamemployedaf Report

Add photo comments
POST
candymimi13 avatar
Chihuahua Mama
Community Member
6 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My favourite screen is the back of my eyelids.... sleep, my favourite "activity" is sleep. Never seen such new and creative content anywhere else.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#41

Work-Memes-Iamemployedaf

iamemployedaf Report

Add photo comments
POST
paulneff_1 avatar
Lexekon
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think we all subscribe to this wisdom, on the inside.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#42

Work-Memes-Iamemployedaf

iamemployedaf Report

Add photo comments
POST
jasonengman avatar
Jason
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm bad about this in general. If I look like I'm interested it's cause I'm bored as f**k and have set my body on autopilot so I can dream about anything else. If I look like I don't care it's because I'm actually paying attention listening and I'm using that autopilot brainpower to actually compute, remember, and listen to what you are saying. Same with taking notes.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#43

Work-Memes-Iamemployedaf

iamemployedaf Report

Add photo comments
POST
amyji10 avatar
Amy Manning
Community Member
6 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No one really talks about the fact that the 8 hour work day was designed for men who have wives at home doing all the things we still have to do when we get done with our 8 hour work day. Like cooking, cleaning, laundry, changing the bed, and washing the dishes. We all have multiple full-time jobs at this point, but we only get paid for one of them. Happy Monday.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#44

Work-Memes-Iamemployedaf

iamemployedaf , ronnui_ Report

Add photo comments
POST
gusgallifrey avatar
Gustav Gallifrey
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've designed the perfect meeting room. No chairs, no tables - stand, or sit on the floor. Want to take notes? Use a clipboard. After 30 mins, doors open automatically, strobe lights flash, loud brass band/marching band music plays from loudspeakers.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#45

Work-Memes-Iamemployedaf

iamemployedaf , anxious_silence Report

Add photo comments
POST
gusgallifrey avatar
Gustav Gallifrey
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

'Fast paced ' means 'we have no planning skills, so every thing is done in a rush' and 'dynamic' means 'we have no idea where we're headed with anything, so we're constantly changing the rules and moving the goalposts'.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#46

Work-Memes-Iamemployedaf

iamemployedaf Report

Add photo comments
POST
sharleedryburg avatar
TheBlueBitterfly
Community Member
6 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And the 3rd alarm for "Sink shower, dry hairspray, cold poptart in the car, and I look like crack today." Edit: I just realized I meant dry shampoo. I slept through my 3rd alarm, obviously.. 😅

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#48

Work-Memes-Iamemployedaf

iamemployedaf Report

Add photo comments
POST
gusgallifrey avatar
Gustav Gallifrey
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm a Boomer, and i seem to recall that this was our philosophy decades ago. Millennials/GenZ becoming Boomers?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#49

Work-Memes-Iamemployedaf

iamemployedaf , jacobroyspiegel Report

Add photo comments
POST
ameliastegman avatar
Panda Dressed as a Capybara ;)
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is it just me, or when a post has no comments I have no idea what to say, however when a post has comments I have the brightest idea in the world?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#50

Work-Memes-Iamemployedaf

iamemployedaf , Reductress Report

Note: this post originally had 80 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.