Australia's Happiest Workers Revealed

12 Jul 2013

Many Australians are suffering when it comes to work life balance, but those happiest in their jobs are younger staff and their bosses.

A global study of more than 26,000 workers in 90 countries by workplace provider Regus found Mexico came out on top for work life balance followed by India and Brazil.

Australia ranked number nine, just above the UK and below the US.

Regus Asia Pacific communications manager Jon Walsh said it was surprising to see Australia's work life balance score had sunk 13 points to 116, below the index average of 120, although people who fared the best tended to be those in smaller companies.

"We split it down into different sectors, and the survey showed small and medium enterprises (of less than 50 staff) tend to have happier employees" Mr Walsh said.

"It could be because smaller teams work closer together, everyone knows one another and if times are tough people get together and make things work."

Those that ran their own business were the happiest of all, with a work-life balance score of 119, that was five points more than their employees.

The survey also showed bosses get more time at home with the family, with 36 per cent saying they spend time away from home for work, as opposed to 45 per cent of staff who did the same.

Mr Walsh said the results suggest that owning your own business leads to more control and confidence in your work situation.

"The one thing that we find is for entrepreneurs or people running their own business they tend to have an adventurous side and they can see a downturn as an opportunity," he said.

The economic downturn has also had an impact on workers, with 60 per cent of people saying they took on extra duties during the financial crisis.

"The pinch on the economy has certainly taken its toll. People are working longer hours. They're working harder, spending more time and work and not being able to do more of the things they would like to."

But despite the extra load, nearly 70 per cent of people said they are enjoying their work more than last year, particularly for younger workers.

Around 80 per cent of gen X and gen Y workers said they achieved more in their last year of work compared to 60 per cent of baby boomers who said the same.

Source: http://www.news.com.au/business/australia8217s-happiest-workers-revealed/story-e6frfm1i-1226678328603#ixzz2YoKWQ1HW