Pursuit of happiness: Employer outlook on work is finally on the rise

After months, even years, of employees feeling unhappy with their jobs as they balanced the stress of the pandemic, public opinion on the workplace is finally shifting.

Despite a tumultuous year in the labor market, 87% of workers have reported to “love” or “like” their jobs, according to a recent survey conducted by job-search platform ResumeBuilder.com. Over half of respondents claim it’s because their work is personally fulfilling and meaningful.

“Companies are recognizing that employees want to work for a place that’s meaningful — that takes a stance,” says Stacie Haller, career counseling expert at ResumeBuilder. “And on the other hand, employees are understanding that they now have power in that relationship to say ‘You need me? Well, this is what I need.’” 

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The shift in sentiment isn’t just for employees looking for new jobs, either. These statistics apply to tenured workers as well, who may have disliked their old commute or benefit offering, two things that may have changed as more companies have embraced both flexible work and more inclusive benefits. 

As young workers are leading the Great Resignation in search of more purposeful work — 72%  of Gen Z prioritize a fair and ethical boss, 61% the ability to be heard and 47% a job making an impact socially and environmentally, according to Tallo research — they are also among the happiest. Eighty-nine percent of millennials like or love their jobs, as do 88% of Gen Z, according to the survey. 

“Employees were upset, so they made it known [that] companies needed to take a stance, and it’s contributing to why employees are happier,” Haller says. “The end result is that people are not only happier but more productive.” 

Still, there’s work to be done. Thirteen percent of workers “dislike” or “hate” their jobs, the survey found, 42% of whom blame burnout and an unhealthy work-life balance. And over half of workers who started a new job within the last year are still seeking new employment opportunities. 

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“There are some industries where the benefits [of flexible work] are not possible,” Haller says, referencing the healthcare and hospitality industries. “The flip side is, if [employers] just listen to their employees and prioritize employee health and employee wellness, [they’ll create] overall happiness at work.”

This could mean anything from revisiting compensation and creating an inclusive culture for employees feeling undervalued, to keeping tabs on employees’ work/life balance to stave off burnout and destigmatizing conversations surrounding mental health. 

“The opportunity is there for companies to really adjust to what their employees are looking for and for that result to be positive,” Haller says. “We’ll see more retention and employers that will attract more talent — a win win.”