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A new report on the Australian workforce released by fivefootfour, reveals the bleak reality of workplace happiness.
The top 5 Findings were:
- Only 54% of Australian workers are happy at work, 25% fee depressed most of the day once a week.
- 60% of the Australian workforce is bored.
- The three big issues behind workforce unhappiness are flexibility, creativity and the misrepresentation of Gen Y.
- 35% of Gen Y's will be looking for a new job in the next 12 months.
The ideal workplace composition consists of a mix of employees motivated by the following 7 drivers:
*Flexibility and balance (27%).
*Knowledge for growth (23%).
*Ambition to progress (16%).
*Creativity and freedom (16%).
*Mentoring and learning (11%).
*Variety and momentum (4%).
*Collaboration and interaction (4%).
The company’s inaugural workplace study, was undertaken to determine how happy Australian employees are in the workplace and to identify the drivers that motivate them in their jobs.
October 9-15 marks “Mental Health Week” this year, and with one of the key findings from the research revealing that only 54% of Australians are happy at work, brings a spotlight to the importance of happiness in the workplace.
Workplaces stressors such as the ever blurring line between work and personal time, and a lack of job satisfaction are taking a toll on the health and well being of Australian workers.
The report also found that 25% of Australians feel ‘blue’ or depressed most of the day once a week and 49% once or twice a month; 60% of the Australian workforce is bored in their current job; and that creative thinkers are jumping ship.
The three big issues behind this unhappiness have been identified as a lack of flexibility, stifled creativity, and the misrepresentation of Gen Ys and their ambitions in the workforce.
Trudi Sampola, co-founder of fivefootfour, explains that the research shows that a one size fits all approach is no longer applicable to the Australian workforce landscape: “Australian businesses need to get more flexible and start recognising the importance of understanding their employees’ values and motivations on an individual level,” says Trudi.
Identifying these values is the best way to motivate employees and is the key to optimising happiness in the workplace. And in turn, increasing productivity and business growth.
Whilst a flexible and engaging workplace is a priority for many employees, 78% of Australian workers prefer a job that allows them to think creatively. “Businesses that identify the creative thinkers within the team, and give them the opportunity to integrate this value into their role, will reap the rewards,” says Trudi.
The results from the research have led fivefootfour to create the Ideal Workplace Composition™ as a guide for businesses striving for a happier and more productive workforce.
A mixture of values and drivers in employees – such as flexibility and balance, ambition, and creativity and freedom – provides the foundations of a happy and fulfilled team and enables workers to get the most satisfaction from their roles.
Businesses must particularly address happiness in Gen Ys who make up 23% of the Australian workforce. The workplace study found that this next generation of leaders seek employers that recognise that the workplace is a two-way street, with 35% stating that they are likely to look for a new job in the New Year.
Trudi also suggests that businesses take a leaf out of Germany’s book, where flexibility and mandated work-life balance has resulted in more productive work sessions, by focusing on output rather than hours spent in the office. Germany has 6 week vacation each year and also accept the concept of working remotely. “Germans are very clearly output focused versus placing a currency on the number of hours spent in the workplace. Australia needs to change the workplace game, less emphasis on clocking up the hours and more emphasis on getting the job done,” says Trudi.
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