UK workers are less satisfied with their jobs than their counterparts in the United States, France, and Australia, according to a new report by Randstad. The company is one of the world’s largest human resources firms, and its report surveyed over 45,000 employees located in 32 different countries.
Countries such as Canada and the United States scored relatively well, with over 70 per cent of workers satisfied with their jobs in Australia, 74 per cent in the United States, and an incredible 77 per cent of Canadian workers fulfilled in the office.
Britain scored 67 per cent, indicating that workers in the UK are significantly less happy in their jobs than workers in other developed countries. The statistics show that almost 10 million British workers are likely to be unsatisfied at work.
Job satisfaction is highly correlated with seniority and work history. Workers that have recently taken on a new job – particularly those that were just beginning their careers – were reportedly more satisfied than those with a long work history.
Workers that were likely to retire soon also reported higher-than-normal levels of job satisfaction. Analysts believe that this is likely due to the senior positions that they occupy, which offer greater work-life flexibility and more lucrative incomes.
Job satisfaction hits its lowest point in the middle of a worker’s career, according to the study. Workers aged between 35 and 44 showed the lowest level of satisfaction with their careers – a serious concern that’s been dubbed a ‘mid-career crisis.’
Workers at the mid-point in their career often reflect on their choices and believe that they are less fulfilled in their jobs than their peers. Analysts believe that time spent away from work is a less significant factor in workplace happiness than was previously believed – a belief strengthened by high American job satisfaction.
