[Canada] Happiness@Work Index finds workers less happy than a year ago

This month, the ADP Canada monthly Happiness@Work Index (“Index”) marked its first anniversary with the finding that workers’ happiness declined in March, Business Wire reports.

Secondary indicators reported a decrease compared to February and fell below levels registered in March 2-23.

The National Work Happiness Score for March 2024 is reportedly 6.6/10; a decrease of 0.1 points from February and just below the March 2023 score (6.7/10).

“Over the past year, happiness levels across regions and generations saw their highs and lows. Lower scores in February, April and June gave way to higher scores in August and November before dipping during the back-to-school and winter seasons,” Heather Haslam - vice president of marketing at ADP Canada - said. 

“This highlights that the needs and expectations of workers in Canada are fluid and can be sensitive to external factors. While a few indicators, notably work-life balance and flexibility, continued to come out on top month-over-month, others, such as options for career advancement, remained low. Employers must stay connected to these trends to create a positive and engaging work environment for all employees.”

In March, the primary indicator of worker happiness decreased to 6.8/10, a 0.1 point drop from February. Forty-three per cent of workers in Canada surveyed feel satisfied in their current roles and responsibilities. All secondary indicators report a reduction in score this month, however, work-life balance and flexibility remain the highest sentiment score.

In addition, the Index reportedly indicates that while Boomers (7.2/10) continued to be the happiest generation for the 15th consecutive month, they recorded the steepest decline this month (-0.5). Millennials became the least happy generation at work, scoring 6.5/10, while Gen X and Gen Z tied at 6.6/10. 

Québec (6.8/10) recovered its position as the happiest region but reported a 0.1 point decrease from February. Atlantic Canada (6.5/10) dropped from first to third place in March. While, despite historically low regional scores to date, Ontario (6.6/10) was the only region this month to show an increase in happiness.

March’s Index also reportedly demonstrates the importance of compensation with more than half (57 per cent) of workers surveyed stating that they would feel happier in the workplace if they received a raise and over a third (35 per cent) indicating that a bonus would make them happier. An additional 31 per cent of workers in Canada report that more leave days or time off would improve their overall happiness at work.

“Compensation remains a top concern for workers nationwide,” Ms Haslam said. “Inflation is ever-present, and one of the external factors we suspect has impacted happiness levels over the past year. As employers and workers navigate economic changes, tools that support pay transparency, clear lines of communication and regular check-ins with employees can help workers feel secure and confident in their current role.”

Source: Business Wire

(Quotes via original reporting)

This month, the ADP Canada monthly Happiness@Work Index (“Index”) marked its first anniversary with the finding that workers’ happiness declined in March, Business Wire reports.

Secondary indicators reported a decrease compared to February and fell below levels registered in March 2-23.

The National Work Happiness Score for March 2024 is reportedly 6.6/10; a decrease of 0.1 points from February and just below the March 2023 score (6.7/10).

“Over the past year, happiness levels across regions and generations saw their highs and lows. Lower scores in February, April and June gave way to higher scores in August and November before dipping during the back-to-school and winter seasons,” Heather Haslam - vice president of marketing at ADP Canada - said. 

“This highlights that the needs and expectations of workers in Canada are fluid and can be sensitive to external factors. While a few indicators, notably work-life balance and flexibility, continued to come out on top month-over-month, others, such as options for career advancement, remained low. Employers must stay connected to these trends to create a positive and engaging work environment for all employees.”

In March, the primary indicator of worker happiness decreased to 6.8/10, a 0.1 point drop from February. Forty-three per cent of workers in Canada surveyed feel satisfied in their current roles and responsibilities. All secondary indicators report a reduction in score this month, however, work-life balance and flexibility remain the highest sentiment score.

In addition, the Index reportedly indicates that while Boomers (7.2/10) continued to be the happiest generation for the 15th consecutive month, they recorded the steepest decline this month (-0.5). Millennials became the least happy generation at work, scoring 6.5/10, while Gen X and Gen Z tied at 6.6/10. 

Québec (6.8/10) recovered its position as the happiest region but reported a 0.1 point decrease from February. Atlantic Canada (6.5/10) dropped from first to third place in March. While, despite historically low regional scores to date, Ontario (6.6/10) was the only region this month to show an increase in happiness.

March’s Index also reportedly demonstrates the importance of compensation with more than half (57 per cent) of workers surveyed stating that they would feel happier in the workplace if they received a raise and over a third (35 per cent) indicating that a bonus would make them happier. An additional 31 per cent of workers in Canada report that more leave days or time off would improve their overall happiness at work.

“Compensation remains a top concern for workers nationwide,” Ms Haslam said. “Inflation is ever-present, and one of the external factors we suspect has impacted happiness levels over the past year. As employers and workers navigate economic changes, tools that support pay transparency, clear lines of communication and regular check-ins with employees can help workers feel secure and confident in their current role.”

Source: Business Wire

(Quotes via original reporting)