ANZ tech workers not feeling the happiness

Tech workers in New Zealand and Australia are less happy with their workplace lives compared to the global average – even though the tech industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world.

IT recruitment specialist Halcyon Knights has produced a report titled Technically Happy, which surveyed 906 respondents from ANZ and found that the average happiness level is just 6/10, and those aged between 45-54 are the unhappiest.

Work happiness is not something to be trifled with – 97% of respondents say that happiness at work is important – and there are plenty of reasons why happiness is dwindling.

"Happiness is proven to be a powerful force for success in the workplace, both economically and socially. As retention and performance rates fluctuate across the country, the business case for a renewed focus on morale is huge," explains Halcon Knights CEO Lincoln Benbow.

The top three reasons why tech workers are unhappy include unrealistic expectations and/or workload (63%), and lack of work/life balance (55%).

Furthermore, 40% of respondents revealed that discrimination or bullying based on their identity (disability, ethnicity, gender, religious orientation, sexual orientation, or other), causing serious work unhappiness.

Benbow adds, "Only half of the respondents (52%) recommended their workplace as a great place to work, and two thirds (68%) don't believe there are good career opportunities for them at their current company. The need for a positivity boost is clear.

There ae numerous ways businesses can provide productivity boosts. Respondents supported initiatives such as flexible working policies (53%), the opportunity to do meaningful work (49%) and salary (47%).

Furthermore, the opportunity to work on innovative or exciting projects (41%) and have an impact (37%) also rate highly amongst respondents.

Managerial influence also plays an important role in how employees feel. According to 65% of respondents, their boss's work mood impacts their happiness.

Additionally, 64% of managers agree that their happiness, attitudes and behaviours affected how happy their team is – even if 55% of managers don't know if their teams feel supported and happy.

"The need for a positivity boost is clear. Only half of tech workers would recommend their workplace as a great place to work, and many don't believe there are good career opportunities for them at their current company," says Benbow.

"The good news is that we know exactly where the issues lie and how managers can address them through employee engagement, a strong employer value proposition and offering truly flexible working arrangements.