Nearly half of Australians unhappy at work, new survey finds

The number of Aussies unhappy at work has been revealed, along with the generations and industries with the highest levels of dissatisfaction.

Nearly half of Australians are unhappy at work, new data has revealed.

Gen Z has led the charge according to Seek’s inaugural Workplace Happiness Index, with only 50 per cent of gen Z workers being happy at work, while baby boomers are the most happy at 61 per cent.

However, the youngest generation of workers reported being least happy with career progression opportunities and senior leadership, which was also reflected among results across all generations.

About 45 per cent of Australian workers across all generations reported being unhappy.

The survey found senior leadership and salary were the two top factors of unhappiness at work across all ages, with a respective 43 per cent and 42 per cent of Aussies reporting dissatisfaction.

Stress levels also contributed, with 41 per cent of survey respondents reporting this, as well as career progression opportunities (37 per cent) and company commitment to social and environmental responsibility (35 per cent).

Nearly half of Australians are unhappy at work. Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

Respondents reported purpose at work, their manager, day-to-day responsibilities, company culture and stress levels as the most important factors to happiness at work, with Seek head of customer insights and strategy Aimee Hutton pointing out the categories appear to have more impact than money and job security.

“(The results have) uncovered a clear opportunity for employees and employers alike to consider ways to drive greater fulfilment and connection at work,” Ms Hutton said.

“We hope that this index can help fuel meaningful change to improve happiness at work across Australia.”

About 65 per cent of Australians reported being happy with the location of their work, while 61 per cent were happy with their responsibilities and work-life balance, 58 per cent were happy with their purpose at work, and 58 per cent were happy with their team and colleagues.

South Australian workers are the happiest (67 per cent), while West Australian workers are the least happy (46 per cent), with a respective 54 per cent and 57 per cent of NSW and Victorian workers reporting being happy.

Government workers were the happiest (71 per cent), followed by those in retail and consumer products (63 per cent), while those in engineering and construction were the least happy at a respective 25 per cent and 40 per cent.

Gen Z are reportedly the most unhappy. Picture: NewsWire/Joel Carrett

Ms Hutton said the survey also found those unhappy at work were 83 per cent more likely to think about changing jobs compared with those who were happy (45 per cent), highlighting the importance of happiness at work.

“This is testament to happiness at work being invaluable for Australian businesses and healthy productivity in the labour market,” Ms Hutton said.

“The aim of this inaugural Workplace Happiness Index is to spotlight the strongest opportunities to improve happiness at work for both employees and employers and, ultimately, drive a happier workforce in Australia.”

Transitioning Well co-director and organisational psychologist Justine Alter said the results were unsurprising given many Australians were struggling with financial uncertainty.

“We need to acknowledge this intersection, as it’s just as important to support workers to live well, as much as it is to support them to work well,” Ms Alter said.

“From an individual point of view, we know that happiness can be a protective mental health factor and can lead to a longer, healthier life.

“At an organisational level, there are numerous studies to suggest that happier workers are more productive, highlighting its importance.”

Originally published as Nearly half of Australians unhappy at work, new survey finds