Robert Half Reveals the Happiest Countries for Workers (HITS)
Canada ranks fifth in an international study of employee happiness, according to research released by global staffing firm Robert Half. The report shows the United States, Germany and the Netherlands have the happiest employees among the countries included in the research, ranking 71.8, 71.2 and 69.9, respectively, on a happiness scale of 0 to 100, with 100 being the happiest.
The research also shows that the top drivers of employee happiness vary by country. In Canada, the United States and the UK, the highest-ranking factors are having pride in one’s organization, feeling appreciated and being treated with fairness and respect. In France, Belgium, Germany and Australia, being treated with fairness and respect is the top happiness factor. In the Netherlands, a sense of accomplishment is the most important driver of happiness.
The countries studied with the lowest levels of employee happiness are France (63.8), Belgium (65.2) and the UK (67.2).
The research also shows that the top drivers of employee happiness vary by country. In Canada, the United States and the UK, the highest-ranking factors are having pride in one’s organization, feeling appreciated and being treated with fairness and respect. In France, Belgium, Germany and Australia, being treated with fairness and respect is the top happiness factor. In the Netherlands, a sense of accomplishment is the most important driver of happiness.
“Happy employees are at the heart of successful organizations; they’re engaged, motivated and ultimately support a more innovative, productive work environment,” said Greg Scileppi, president of Robert Half, International Staffing Operations. “Managers can improve happiness levels in their companies by frequently recognizing staff contributions, and making sure employees understand how their roles fit in with overall company goals.”
The research also examined how average stress and interest levels at work vary across geographies. Among employees surveyed, Germans rate the level of interest they have in their work highest, followed by Dutch and Americans. Professionals in the Netherlands report the least stress on the job, with Australians ranking second and the UK coming in third.