Where employees are happiest

Happy employees are not only a worthy goal of particularly committed companies. From an economic perspective, it is also worth investing in employee satisfaction. The "Global Workforce Happiness Index" of the consulting company Universum has analyzed the satisfaction of more than 250,000 professionals worldwide and found out in which countries employees are particularly happy. The index is made up of an employee's satisfaction, their willingness to recommend their current employer to others, and their likelihood of changing jobs in the near future.

The "Happiness Quadrant"

The "Happiness Quadrant" shows the combinations in which the three influencing factors occur. It consists of four profiles, which are pronounced to different degrees in the various countries. The "stranded" are dissatisfied with their current job but unmotivated to change jobs - often because of macroeconomic circumstances such as a high unemployment rate. "Seekers" are dissatisfied employees who are actively seeking a change and often already have one foot out the door. They no longer identify with their employer and do not recommend it to their friends. Employers should give urgent attention to the "restless", because they are indeed satisfied in their job and also willing to recommend their employer. However, they are not particularly loyal and open to changing jobs.

Swiss equally happy

In a global comparison, Swiss employees are among the "fulfilled". They are stable, loyal employees who have a positive attitude toward their employer and do not want to change jobs. Accordingly, Switzerland has made it to 7th place in Global Workforce Happiness. A strikingly positive aspect is the fact that Swiss women and men are equally happy, whereas in other countries there are sometimes major differences between the sexes. Sweden, for example, which is known for its equality, ranks 7th in the world for the happiest male employees; among female employees, Sweden only makes it to 14th place. "In Sweden, equality has been lived for a long time, everyone is treated equally. But men and women still have different needs," says Yves Schneuwly, Managing Director of Universum Switzerland. "In Switzerland, however, the issue of equality, especially the better integration of women into the labor market, is high on the agenda of politicians and is a strategic goal of many CEOs. This seems to have a positive impact on the satisfaction of female professionals."

Austrians have nose in front

However, employee satisfaction and loyalty do not only depend on the company in which they work. Macroeconomic or legal factors also have an influence. In addition, different standards apply in different countries, for example with regard to the minimum length of employment. Therefore, differences can also be observed in the DACH region: Austrians are the happiest employees and rank ahead of Switzerland in 6th place. Germany lags behind somewhat and only makes it to 15th place. "As an economic nation, Germany has a more competitive labor market than the other DACH countries. In addition, the unemployment rate is quite a bit higher than in Switzerland. This pressure affects the satisfaction of skilled workers," Yves Schneuwly comments on the results. "Austrian companies are legally obliged to provide wage transparency. This gives employees the certainty of being paid in line with the market and increases satisfaction accordingly."

Employees in telecommunications happiest
How satisfied employees are also depends on the industry in which they work. Swiss employees in the telecommunications industry are particularly happy. "Here, Swisscom is setting an example and pulling its competitors along with it. A lot is invested in modern workplaces and the well-being of employees is given high priority by the management," says Schneuwly. Employees of accounting and tax firms are also very satisfied. "The structured opportunities for advancement and attractive further training, especially at the Big 4, certainly contribute to this," comments Yves Schneuwly. "In addition, there is also increased investment in employee satisfaction here." An investment that pays off in view of the worsening shortage of skilled workers.

Ranking of the happiest employees worldwide

1. Belgium
2. Norway
3. Costa Rica
4. Denmark
5. South Africa
6. Austria
7. Switzerland
8. Greece
9. Czech Republic
10. Russia

Ranking of the Swiss industries with the happiest employees

1. Telecommunications/Network Technology
2. Aerospace and defense industry
3. Audit and tax consulting
4. IT Software and Computer Services
5. Construction
6. Research, teaching, education and training
7. Public Service/Government
8. Transport and logistics
9. Pharmacy and biotechnology
10. Chemical industry

Source: Universe