Dive Brief:
- When it comes to the workplace, the prevailing thought is life on the job is largely unhappy for many thanks to low engagement numbers. Yet a new global survey reports that workers are, by and large, much more positive about work than one might think, according to Quartz.
- The Endred-Ipsos 2016 Barometer, an annual well-being at work survey, found that 71% of global workers were positive when responding to questions designed to gauge their wellbeing and happiness with work.
- Overall, the survey checked in with 14,400 people in 15 countries across different global regions, basing satisfaction on a combo of work environment, appreciation levels and emotional fulfillment on the job. In terms of specific countries, employees in India scored the highest positive feelings about work (88%), while Japan finished dead last with only 44% of workers having a positive attitiude.
Dive Insight:
Mexico finished second at 81% with the United States third at 77%, tied with Chile and Brazil.
Apart from overall happiness with wellbeing at work, employees also ranked specific HR management policies (flexibility of working hours, diversity, health at work). The study found that 68% of workers reported that managing the transmission and renewal of skills is the most important workplace policy when it comes to avoiding a negative wellbeing at work score, followed by working hours flexibility (74%), promotion of health at work (72%) and career management for ‘senior’ employees (64%).
The study is a worthwhile read for HR leaders, as it explores some interesting issues that could prove valuable in today's scramble to boost employee engagement.