Salary well down list for happy and unhappy workers

Salary levels are well down the list of reasons given by both happy and unhappy workers for the feelings they have about their jobs.

A new survey from jobs website seek.co.nz found that among workers who consider themselves happy in their jobs, work environment topped the list with 10 percent, followed by training and development, company culture, workplace morale and human relations approach, all on 9 percent.

Salary was in 11th equal place with 6 percent.

For those unhappy in their work, salary was in equal 7th place on 7 percent, well down on workplace morale at 22 percent, and variety and content of work at 19 percent.

Seek.co.nz senior executive Helen Souness said most people were looking for their managers to be supportive and approachable, to demonstrate their appreciation and provide opportunities for growth within the organisation.

Employee happiness was a direct product of a positive work environment, with a strong focus on building company culture, workplace morale, and a commitment to train and develop staff, she said.

Of those employees who were happy, 68 percent said they were willing to raise their productivity because they felt motivated by their employer.

For those people who had recently changed jobs or who were looking for a new job, the top reason for moving was wanting a new challenge, with 28 percent of respondents listing that as the reason for a move. The second highest reason was not feeling appreciated at work, chosen by 23 percent.

However, 29 percent of people listed salary as the most important aspect in the choice of their future employer, with only 12 percent citing second-placed hours of work.

Seek.co.nz said it found highest levels of happiness among the health care and medical sector, where 74 percent of people reported they were happy or very happy in their role.

Workers in trades and service industries and education and training roles also reported high levels of happiness in their jobs.

Data for the report came from about 4000 respondents taking party in surveys on seek.co.nz and an internet survey from an external panel on the SmileCity online rewards programme. Invitations to take part were sent out to reflect the 2006 census.