Province reclaims its title as the happiest in Canada
Canadian workers experienced a surge in happiness as the holiday season approaches, according to the ADP Canada Happiness@Work Index for November. The National Work Happiness Score for November 2023 rose to 6.8/10.
Boomers maintained their position as the happiest generation for the 9th consecutive month, scoring 7.2/10. Québec, with a score of 7.0/10, reclaimed its title as the happiest region from British Columbia, which scored 6.9/10.
“As we have noted throughout the year, seasonal changes can hinder or heighten happiness levels. The slight bump in the National Happiness Score may indicate upcoming vacation days and time spent with loved ones may be helping to offset the gloomy feeling of late fall days,” says Shawna Gee, director of marketing at ADP Canada.
“While the holiday season may be joyful for many, it can also bring on heightened levels of stress as looming year-end deadlines get closer. A few potential identifiers employers may want to be wary of as the holidays near can include, but not limited to lack of focus, change in behavior or quality of performance, or even absenteeism,” Gee adds.
The primary indicator of worker happiness increased to 7.0/10, reflecting that 47 percent of workers in Canada still felt satisfied with their current roles and responsibilities. Work-life balance & flexibility continued to be the top secondary indicator at 7.0/10.
The generational snapshot indicated Boomers (7.2/10) remained the happiest generation, followed closely by Gen-Z at 6.9/10. Regionally, Québec (7.0/10) led in happiness, followed by Atlantic Canada (6.9/10), tying with British Columbia.
“While there is an increase in worker happiness this month, it's important for employers to help boost morale and reduce stress amongst the workplace as we head into the holiday season. A few ways this can be done is by celebrating successes, setting goals to keep teams on track, as well as encouraging time off or even implementing wellness breaks during the workday,” Gee says.
The Happiness@Work Index is measured monthly through a survey conducted by Maru Public Opinion on behalf of ADP Canada, gathering data from over 1,200 employed Canadian adults.
