For most of us, the majority of our waking hours are spent at work. Therefore, it’s no wonder that work has a significant impact on our overall mental health and well-being.
While work can bring stress, sadness, and anger into our lives, some people also find a sense of achievement, purpose, and happiness through their work.
According to the Gallup 2024 Global Workplace Report, 34% of respondents globally described their work as “energizing,” while 58% said their work was “challenging.” Approximately 8% admitted to feeling “miserable” at work.
The attitude of employees towards their work will affect their engagement. Gallup estimates that low employee engagement could cost the global economy $8.9 trillion, accounting for 9% of the global GDP. This is the significance of the study.
Those who described their work as “energizing” reported significant reductions in health issues compared to the past, with a decrease in worries, stress, sadness, loneliness, depression, and anger, replaced by more hope, happiness, vitality, interest, and respect.
Jack, the Art and VFX Director in Canada, stated, “My work brings both stress and satisfaction. They balance each other out to the point that I don’t feel the need for a change.”
The report was based on surveys conducted in more than 160 countries and regions globally in 2023, with over 128,000 adults participating.
According to Gallup’s research, the following ten countries have the highest percentage of self-perceived happy populations worldwide:
Finland: 83%
Denmark: 77%
Iceland: 76%
Netherlands: 71%
Sweden: 70%
Israel: 69%
Norway: 67%
Costa Rica: 62%
Belgium: 60%
Australia: 60%
It is evident that European countries dominate the list, with seven of them making it to the top ten. The report indicates that the region has the lowest proportion of employees “looking for or actively seeking new jobs” and the second-lowest proportion of employees “experiencing sadness daily.”
The report emphasized the region’s strong labor protection policies.
The report noted, “People often contrast Western Europe’s ‘working to live’ culture with America’s ‘living to work’ mentality.” Ultimately, in countries with extensive labor rights laws, employees show higher levels of engagement and healthier emotions.
The so-called “engaged employees” are those who approach work with dedication, passion, and take proactive actions to enhance the organization’s reputation and interests.
Australia ranked in the top ten, with 60% of respondents describing themselves as “energized” and 21% as actively engaged. Israel also made the list, emerging as the winner in the Middle East and North Africa region, with only 39% reporting “daily stress.”
Asia ranked lower in the list, but relatively speaking, Taiwan stands out as a top performer in the region, ranking second in Asia after Vietnam located to its southeast. The proportion of “energized” employees in both countries is 51% and 41%, respectively.
The report highlighted that the responsibility lies not only with employees but also with organizations. When companies provide necessary labor protections and hire competent, dedicated, and well-trained managers, engaged employees can be “energized” in the workplace and in life.
“When employees find meaning in their work and work relationships, employment leads to high levels of daily enjoyment and low levels of daily negative emotions.” The report pointed out, “When managers are engaged, employees are more likely to be engaged as well.”