Are You Happy At Work? 70% Of Indian Workforce Says No

India has faced a series of troubling workplace issues across different sectors, sparking nationwide concern. The Hema Committee report shed light on the harsh conditions in the Malayalam film industry, reflecting similar struggles in the media world. Meanwhile, the tragic deaths of two women in the corporate banking sector, allegedly due to extreme work pressure, further highlight the toll of toxic work environments. Adding to this, the RG Kar Medical College case intensified the focus on workplace safety, particularly for women, underscoring a growing need for systemic change across industries.

India's Workforce Struggles With Happiness At Work: Report 

Now, The Happiest Places to Work, in collaboration with the Happiness Research Academy, has released its latest report titled "Happiness at Work: How Happy is India's Workforce? - 2024."  This comprehensive study offers insights into the state of happiness among India's urban workforce across various demographics and industry sectors. The findings, however, paint a concerning picture, revealing that 70% of the Indian workforce is not happy at work.

54% Of Employees Consider Leaving Their Jobs

One of the most striking revelations from the report is that 54% of employees are actively considering leaving their jobs. This statistic emphasises the need for workplaces to foster environments where employees can thrive. The report sheds light on key factors contributing to workplace happiness, such as regular appreciation, transparent communication, and a sense of belonging. These elements, when missing, seem to have a negative impact on employee satisfaction.

Insights from Employees

The report gathered insights from 2,000 respondents across 18 different industry sectors. While some employees feel positive about their work environment, others express dissatisfaction with the lack of clarity in roles, communication gaps, and insufficient recognition of their efforts. It reveals differences in workplace happiness by gender, age, and sector. Here's a glimpse of the workforce's sentiments:

Issues with Communication and Clarity

Lack of communication and role clarity was a recurring concern among employees, with many suggesting that improvements in these areas would lead to better workplace satisfaction.

"The organisation should make an effort to connect with every employee and show appreciation for their work." 26. Man, Bhubaneshwar

"Not everyone is clear about their role. They should make all things clear to all employees." 37, Woman, Chennai

"Clear and transparent communication is needed. Organisations should have a growth mindset and be open to exploring new ideas." 40, Woman, Mumbai

Many employees also stressed the importance of balancing work and personal life, suggesting that employers should be more understanding of their employees' personal struggles.

"One should also give time for personal life. And personal problems should also be understood." 27. Woman, Delhi

"Allow for flexibility and nurture personal responsibility. If you want to build stronger relationships, both flexibility and trust are crucial." 26. Man, Indore

Several respondents highlighted the need for greater trust in employees and better respect for their opinions, especially at management levels.

"I would like to see more trust in the employees and greater respect for their opinions rather than relying on outsiders." 24. Woman, Gurugram

"Treat everyone the same, whether big or small. This will help build confidence." 56, Woman, Delhi

Sector-Wise Breakdown of Workplace Happiness

The report highlights significant variations in workplace happiness across different sectors in India. FinTech leads, with 40% of employees expressing happiness at work, followed closely by biotechnology (39%) and IT and technology (38%).

In contrast, industries like real estate and construction report the lowest happiness levels, with only 20% of the workforce feeling content. Other sectors, such as media, entertainment, and advertising (23%), and retail and e-commerce (25%), also show low satisfaction levels. Overall, sectors like hospitality, consumer electronics, and healthcare fall below the 30% mark, reflecting the widespread dissatisfaction across many industries.