The ADP Canada monthly Happiness@Work Index ("Index") reveals workers are feeling less happy in May than last month and May 2023. Over half (59%) of workers in Canada surveyed report that the cost of living significantly impacts stress levels during the workday.
The National Work Happiness Score for May 2024 is 6.6/10, representing a 0.2-point decrease from April.
"The May Index reveals a sharp contrast to the gains recorded last month," says Heather Haslam, vice president of marketing at ADP Canada. "With workers in Canada noting economic turmoil as a daily stressor, employers must remain mindful of how external factors may impact their workforce’s well-being. Leading with empathy and encouraging open communication can help support employees when stress levels are high."
May 2024 Happiness@Work Index Highlights
- National Work Happiness Score: 6.6/10 (-0.2) *
- Indicator Breakdown
- Primary Indicator: 6.8/10 (-0.1) *
- Secondary Indicators:
- Work-Life Balance & Flexibility: 6.8/10 (-0.1) *
- Recognition & Support: 6.5/10 (-0.2) *
- Compensation & Benefits: 6.1/10 (-0.2) *
- Options for Career Advancement: 6.0/10 (-0.1) *
Forty-four per cent of workers in Canada surveyed feel satisfied with their current roles and responsibilities. All secondary indicators are down this month, with work-life balance & flexibility remaining on top with the highest score.
Boomers (7.1/10) report a notable drop in happiness month-over-month; however, they continue to be the happiest generation. Gen Z follows in second place as the only generation with increasing happiness levels in May.
National Work Happiness Score: Generational Snapshot
- Boomers (59+): 7.1/10 (-0.4) *
- Gen-Z (18-26): 6.8/10 (+0.2) *
- Millennials (27-42): 6.5/10 (-0.3) *
- Gen-X (43-58): 6.5/10 (NC) *
Regionally, Atlantic Canada and Québec (6.9/10) are the happiest regions, while Alberta (6.3/10) records their lowest score, falling to last place.
Regional Work Happiness Score Snapshot
- Atlantic Canada: 6.9/10 (-0.2) *
- Québec: 6.9/10 (NC) *
- British Columbia: 6.7/10 (NC) *
- Ontario: 6.5/10 (-0.1) *
- Sask/Manitoba: 6.4/10 (-0.5) *
- Alberta: 6.3/10 (-0.5) *
Daily economic stressors are impacting the workplace. Most workers in Canada surveyed (68%) reveal that the rising cost of food and groceries and planning for major expenses (62%) heavily affect stress levels during work hours.
"These findings serve as a valuable reminder to regularly connect with your staff and reassess existing support structures, aiming to cultivate a nurturing environment that fosters employees' growth, both personally and professionally," concludes Haslam.
