New SEEK survey reveals just how many Aussie workers are really happy with their job

Australian workers have opened up about their happiness levels at work in a SEEK survey mapping what it is that keeps them smiling in the workplace.

Nearly half of all workers said they were not happy at work, and for the 55 per cent that are, purpose was ranked as the highest contributing factor.

Purpose trumped salary, work-life balance and career development opportunities, as the most importance influence on workplace happiness, the SEEK Happiness Index Survey said.

Over 1200 Australian workers across a broad range of generations, locations, industries, and income and seniority levels were surveyed by Nature between April and June 2024.

South Australian workers were found to be the happiest at work (67 per cent), while Western Australian workers said they were the least happy (46 per cent).

Workers in New South Wales and Victoria sit somewhere in between, with 54 per cent and 57 per cent happy at work, respectively

While the location of their work was found to be the area most people (68 per cent) were happy with, it was also voted as one of the least important factors in terms of impacting overall happiness at work.

Only 42 per cent of workers were happy with their salary, but income was not considered more important for overall happiness than factors such as senior management and day-to-day activities.

And while stress levels were also considered in the top five areas of importance when it comes to workplace happiness, only 41 per cent of respondents said they were happy with the stress levels within their job.

Sector-to-sector, 71 per cent of government workers 63 per cent of retail and consumer products workers reported feeling happy at work, while only 25 per cent of workers in engineering and 40 per cent of workers in construction reported feeling happy at work.

Transitioning Well co-director and organisational psychologist Justine Alter said the effects of workplace happiness impacted more than just the individual, “highlighting its importance”.

“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,” she said.

“Those who are unhappy at work are more likely (83 per cent) to think about changing jobs, compared to those who are happy (45 per cent) at work.

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

Boomers boast highest happiness levels

Gen Z workers, the youngest cohort currently in the workforce, are the least happy age demographic at work.

Only 50 per cent are happy, and they cited career progression opportunities and senior leadership, as well as the company’s sustainability and ethical impact — or its ESG commitment— as the areas they were most unhappy with.

“On the flipside, Baby Boomers are the most happy at work (61 per cent),” SEEK said.

SEEK head of customer insights and strategy Aimee Hutton added: “While we may not love every job that we are in at every life stage, being happy at work is an important contributor to a person’s overall health and wellbeing.”

Alter also said she was not surprised to see so many workers were unhappy in their jobs.

“Many working Australians are struggling with financial uncertainty, and many of us are still grappling with the constantly changing way we work, so it’s unsurprising to see only 55 per cent of people are happy at work,” she said.