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- “Purpose at work” is now the biggest driver of workplace happiness; salary ranks only fifth.
- 44% of Hong Kong workers reported burnout because of work.
- Gen Z and Millennials have the highest turnover intention among all generations.
Hong Kong has recorded the lowest level of workplace happiness in Asia Pacific, with only 47% of surveyed workers saying they feel happy at work, according to the latest Workplace Happiness Index report by Jobsdb by SEEK.
Among the 1,020 surveyed Hong Kong workers, 40% described their sentiment as “neutral”, while 14% stated they were unhappy.
Across the eight surveyed Asia Pacific markets, Hong Kong ranked last – far behind Indonesia, where 82% of workers said they feel happy at work. Other markets with highly competitive work cultures, such as Singapore (56%), also showed lower happiness levels.
Purpose outranks salary
While “higher salary” remained among the top five contributors to happiness at work, it now ranked only fifth in importance.
Instead, Hong Kong workers viewed “purpose at work” as the most influential driver of workplace happiness.
Top five drivers of workplace happiness:
- Purpose at work
- Day-to-day role responsibilities
- Company culture
- Stress levels
- Salary
Workplace stress is draining Hong Kong workers
Workplace stress continues to be a major concern for Hong Kong workers. Nearly two-thirds of respondents are dissatisfied with their current stress levels, and 44% reported experiencing burnout because of work.
Burnout is especially prevalent among unhappy employees, with 72% of unhappy workers reporting feeling burnt out at work, compared to 35% among happy workers.
Happiness boosts motivation and loyalty
Happy employees are significantly more motivated than their unhappy counterparts. Around 70% of happy employees said they are willing to go the extra mile at work – five times higher than the 15% recorded among unhappy employees.
Happiness also influences retention. Only 36% of happy employees frequently consider leaving their jobs, compared to 74% of unhappy employees.
Happiness gaps: gender and generation
The survey revealed notable differences across genders and ages.
More than half (56%) of male respondents reported being happy, compared to 39% of female respondents.
Men also feel more positively about impact and recognition, with 66% and 61% of men believing their work creates a positive impact and that their work is valued respectively – versus 48% and 41% among women.
The largest satisfaction gaps appeared in:
- Career progression opportunities (25 point gap)
- Salary (23 point gap)
- Learning and development opportunities (22 point gap)
Segmented by generations, Millennials (aged 30-44), who are in the mid-stages of their careers, are the least happy age group, with only 40% reporting being happy.
In contrast, Baby Boomers (aged 60-64) approaching retirement age are the happiest, with 62% saying they feel positive about work. They also showed the highest satisfaction with “purpose at work” and “day to day responsibilities”, and have the lowest intention to change jobs.
Gen Z (18-29) and Millennials both experience high burnout levels (48%). Turnover intention is also highest in these two cohorts at 48% and 54% respectively.
Gen X (45-59), meanwhile, reported the lowest burnout levels.
Interestingly, although Gen Z values work-life balance and interpersonal relationships, they place the greatest emphasis on job security.
AI: threat or opportunity?
The widespread adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is also shaping how workers feel about their jobs.
If companies increase AI investment, 40% of respondents said they would feel more replaceable, with 57% of this group worrying their skills may become outdated.
Nevertheless, Hong Kong workers are responding proactively to the AI wave. Half of respondents said they are learning to use AI tools at work, and one third have already joined AI-related courses or training.
ALSO READ: What makes us happy at work: Your manager, the culture, or the salary?
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