Workplace Happiness Index

Workplace Happiness Index

SEEK’s Workplace Happiness Index reveals only half of Aussies are happy at work. Here's what makes makes people happy (or not) and what employers can do to build a happier, more productive workplace.

Workplace satisfaction is an important factor of an organisation’s success that is often overlooked. Many companies focus on output and measure KPIs rather than looking at the bigger picture.

Happy employees are less likely to resign, saving on recruitment costs. They’re also more likely to support each other, creating a healthy workplace culture. A good workplace culture is more likely to attract – and retain – good talent.

SEEK’s Workplace Happiness Index found that only half of Aussies are happy at work. Additionally, almost 1 in 5 reported being either somewhat or extremely unhappy.

It’s worthwhile for leaders to take a closer look at employee happiness and explore ways they can improve happiness in their teams.

What Australian workers are currently happy with (and not) at work 

Top 5: Australians are most happy with at work 

Bottom 5: Australians are least happy with at work 

  1. Location of work (65% of Australian workers are happy)

  2. Day-to-day responsibilities (61%)

  3. Work-life balance (61%)

  4. Purpose at work (58%) 

  5. Team / colleagues (58%)

  1. Company commitment to ESG (35% of Australian workers are happy)

  2. Career progression opportunities (37%) 

  3. Stress levels (41%)

  4. Salary (42%)

  5. Senior leadership (43%)

The most important factors to Australian workers’ happiness at work

Top 5: Factors that rank as most important to Australians' happiness at work

Bottom 5: Factors that rank as least important ⁠to Australians happiness at work

  1. Purpose at work

  2. Their manager

  3. Day-to-day responsibilities

  4. Company culture

  5. Stress levels

  1. The success of your company (e.g. profitability)

  2. Company commitment to ESG

  3. Career progression opportunities

  4. Job security

  5. Location of work

Source: Research conducted for SEEK by Nature, between April and June 2024 via an online survey. Responses were gathered from over 1,200 individuals currently in the workforce (either employed or looking for work), aged 18-64, and living in Australia.

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