Most Workers Fake Enthusiasm for Their Jobs
A new survey reveals that a majority of employees feel compelled to mask their true feelings toward their current workplace.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Job Search
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Data from a new Kickresume survey of 1,002 workers shows that 86% of employees faked enthusiasm for their jobs during the previous week. Nearly half of respondents report experiencing work-related dread several times each week.
Why it matters
Low job satisfaction is driving widespread turnover consideration as employees struggle with compensation, management quality, and burnout. While many remain at their current firms due to limited alternatives, a majority have recently sought new opportunities.
A survey of 1,002 workers found that 27% actively dislike their jobs, while 12% report that they hate their work. Despite this dissatisfaction, 55% of respondents noted they would continue working even if they had sufficient funds to retire.
The players
Kickresume
Kickresume is an online platform that provides tools for building resumes, cover letters, and professional profiles.
The details
Employees often mask their true feelings to satisfy bosses, clients, and customers, even as many actively search for new roles or attend interviews during work hours. Pay remains the primary driver for both employee retention and the decision to quit.
Timeline
86% of workers faked enthusiasm for their jobs during the previous week.
66% of respondents considered leaving their jobs during the previous six months.
The survey results were published in October 2026.
Market Landscape
The report extends the trends observed during the Great Resignation by highlighting how modern workplace dissatisfaction continues to drive employee turnover behavior. This dynamic forces companies to compete more aggressively for talent as employees prioritize pay and growth.
For employees, the high prevalence of job dissatisfaction suggests that frustration with pay and growth is a widespread experience rather than an isolated one. Workers may find that their personal experiences with workplace dread are reflected in the shifting strategies of companies trying to improve retention.
The takeaway
Workers who feel dissatisfied should recognize that their feelings are shared by a significant portion of the workforce, potentially validating their search for better conditions. Implementing a clear plan to address pay and career growth remains the most effective way for individuals to manage their professional trajectory.
Further reading
Explore more trends on finding employment in the Job Search section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ETHRWorld.
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Is pay the most important factor in deciding whether you stay at your current job?
