Happiness is a relative term, especially when it comes to being 'happy' at work. It is human tendency to dread the idea of working, or so we thought. However, a recent survey conducted on a global level, reveals findings that prove otherwise, i.e a majority of employees in different countries are actually positive about their work.
According to the report, 71 percent of employees feel good about their career and job. While this is certainly an overwhelming average, the number significantly varies from country to country. Topping the list is a surprising contender, India!
With 88 percent of its employees feeling good about their work, looks like the country has happy professionals all around. Second in list is Mexico, which has 81 percent of its employees pleased with their work, followed by USA with 77 percent.
The third spot is however not exclusive for the US, as it is shared by Chile and Brazil. Germany with 74 percent comes next in the list, closely followed by the United Kingdom and China with 71 percent.
The lower half of the 'happiness index' begins with Poland and Belgium which have 70 percent of its employees positive about their work, while Spain, France and Turkey show up with 68, 67 and 65 percent respectively. Italy manages to feature in the list with a respective 63 percent.
Probably, the biggest surprise is that of Japan, which, according to the survey shows a dismal 44 percent 'pleased employees'. Languishing at the bottom of the table, Japan which has good economic indicators, has earned the dubious distinction of having its citizens dissatisfied with their respective jobs.
The researchers involved in the survey had three parameters based on which the countries and their employees were judged on- Environment, appreciation and emotion. So what do these factors signify?
Environment includes the resources at an employee's disposal, making use of which he or she goes about the work, without hindrance. It is also verifies if the employee is fully aware of the job requirements, and if he or she has co-workers to support and encourage at the workplace.
The 'environment' category also takes into account a pressing factor, which is the work-life balance. The employees were ranked under this criterion, if they stated they were enjoying a balanced personal and professional life.
The second category is that of 'appreciation'. One of the most under-rated aspects at the workplace, that might make or break the relationship one shares with the company's management, is feedback.
As far as this survey is concerned, it took into consideration the level of happiness of employees, provided they were respected by their seniors and bosses. In addition to this, ratings were also given based on the extent to which the management devotes attention to its employee's training and knowledge
transitions.
The third and the most crucial criterion for the research was 'emotion'. It may be noted that the basic premise of the survey was set to find out if a country's workforce is happy about its work or otherwise. Hence, employees were quizzed on whether they liked and enjoyed going to work in the mornings and whether he or she found the job interesting.
Questions were also asked if the employee had a stimulating environment, one that was open to ideas and encouraging of new innovative practices. Apart from this, another crucial query was if the employee, on a personal and professional level, saw a future in the company or not.
Once the research was done with, one thing became clear- which is, close to 86 percent of employees polled, agree that having a clear goal or idea in mind, with respect to the job, accounts for maximum satisfaction.
