Only 10% of Botswana workers say they are thriving in life, while workplace engagement remains stagnant at 20%, according to the State of the Global Workplace: 2026 Report released in April 2026 by Gallup.The findings, based on data collected between January and December 2025, paint a mixed picture of working life in Botswana, where low life satisfaction contrasts with relatively moderate levels of workplace stress compared to regional averages.
According to the report, employee engagement in Botswana stands at 20%, matching the global average and slightly above the Sub-Saharan Africa average of 19%. However, this figure reflects a five-point decline from the previous three-year rolling average, suggesting a downward trend in workforce motivation.
The report states: ‘Employee engagement in Botswana reflects stagnation, with no significant improvement over global benchmarks and a noticeable decline from previous averages.’
Despite lower stress levels compared to regional peers, broader wellbeing indicators remain weak. Only 10% of employees in Botswana are thriving in their overall lives, significantly below the Sub-Saharan Africa average of 18% and the global average of 34%. The report notes: ‘Life evaluation in Botswana remains among the lowest observed globally, indicating persistent challenges in overall wellbeing and life satisfaction among employees.’
On a more positive note, 26% of employees reported experiencing high stress the previous day, well below the regional average of 46% and the global average of 40%. Daily emotional strain also appears comparatively moderate, with 16% reporting anger, 22% reporting sadness, and 24% reporting loneliness. However, loneliness remains slightly above the global average of 22%.
Job market confidence is also subdued. Only 42% of employees believe it is a good time to find a job in their local area, compared to 50% regionally and 52% globally. This reflects a two-point decline from the previous rolling average, suggesting weakening labour optimism.
The report highlights: ‘Perceptions of job availability in Botswana are lower than both regional and global averages, signalling reduced confidence in local labour market conditions.’
While stress and anger indicators show slight improvements over time, the broader picture remains concerning, with stagnating engagement and low life evaluation suggesting deeper structural issues in workplace satisfaction and economic confidence.
The report suggests that the combination of low thriving rates and declining engagement may point to a disconnect between employment and quality of life, even as Botswana continues to outperform parts of the region on day-to-day stress indicators.
Overall, the 2026 findings also suggest a labour market that is stable in participation but struggling to translate employment into meaningful wellbeing gains for many workers.