Workplace Happiness Index 2025

Workplace happiness is linked to a host of positive outcomes: staff retention, productivity, and motivation, to name just three. With happiness being a key factor in organisational success and employee wellbeing, it’s a worthwhile area for leaders to focus on.

In 2025, the Workplace Happiness Index found that just over half of Australians are happy at work (57%), with roughly one in six (15%) actively unhappy. Additionally, Gen Z Aussies report high levels of burnout, with 41% dreading going to work.

There are many more insights in the report that present opportunities for employers to improve workplace happiness, to boost retention and foster a company culture that attracts top talent. Here are some of the key findings.

The top factors contributing to workplace happiness for Australians

1. 1.

   Purpose

2. 2.

   Day-to-day responsibilities

3. 3.

   Senior leadership

4. 4.

   Company culture

5. 5.

   Stress levels

Biggest shifts in happiness factors

1. 1.

   Job security (up 5 places from 2024)

2. 2.

   Senior leadership (up 3 places from 2024)

3. 3.

   Team/colleagues and Career progression opportunities (both up 2 places from 2024)

Australians are happiest when...

1. 1.

   Work is interesting (34%)

2. 2.

   I’m recognised for my efforts (31%)

3. 3.

   I’m being productive (31%)

Gen Z Australians feel the least valued and the most burnt out

1. 1.

   Exhausted or burnt out (47%)

2. 2.

   Dread going to work (41%)

3. 3.

   Valued for what I do (49%)