PwC’s recent “Hopes and Fears Survey” for 2025 sheds light not only on the expectations and concerns of workers in Greece, but also on the deep-seated inequalities that shape their daily lives. Viewed through the lens of diversity and inclusion, the findings take on particular significance: not all employees experience work in the same way.
Economic Reality and Unequal Work Experiences
The survey reveals a clear distinction: employees who are struggling financially experience work differently than those who are financially secure. The majority of those who “struggle” to meet basic needs show lower trust in management, less satisfaction, and increased insecurity.
In contrast, higher-paid employees feel a stronger connection to their supervisors, greater job security, and an overall more positive work experience. This discrepancy underscores that financial status is a critical factor influencing equal opportunity and a sense of belonging in the workplace.
What matters to employees
Workers in Greece place particular emphasis on:
- occupational safety (84%)
- fair recognition and advancement
- working with outstanding colleagues and supervisors
- linking work to personal values
Although skills development and flexibility are considered important, they are not top priorities. Policies that support the advancement of individuals from less privileged groups are rated even lower—a finding that suggests that a culture of inclusion has not yet been fully embedded as a core value.
Trust and Leadership: An Uneven Relationship
Trust in supervisors varies significantly depending on income. A higher percentage of employees who are more financially secure report that:
- their superiors are keeping their promises
- are concerned about their well-being
In contrast, low-wage workers often feel that they are neither heard nor supported. This highlights a critical issue of inclusion: leadership is not experienced in the same way by everyone.
Work-related fatigue and gender inequalities
The survey reveals high levels of fatigue and stress:
- 63% say they are tired
- 51% feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities
The gender gap is particularly alarming:
- Women experience greater fatigue and stress
- They feel less enthusiasm and inspiration than men
These figures show that gender equality in the workplace is not just a matter of representation, but also of day-to-day experiences, well-being, and working conditions.
Inclusion in practice: the big challenge
Research shows that, despite some progress, inclusion remains uneven. Factors such as income, gender, and position in the hierarchy have a decisive influence on how people experience work.
To create truly inclusive workplaces, the following are required:
- fair wages and a reduction in economic inequalities
- building trust in management
- policies that take into account the different needs of employees
- ενεργή υποστήριξη της ισότητας φύλων και της διαφορετικότητας
Η συμπερίληψη δεν είναι μόνο θέμα αξιών — είναι και θέμα καθημερινής εμπειρίας. Και αυτή, όπως δείχνει η έρευνα, δεν είναι ίδια για όλους.
