Good job as worker happiness picks up

Wallis Wang

Hong Kong workers are slightly happier this year though they continue to face significant pressures, according to a latest poll.

The survey by local recruitment site CTgoodjobs this quarter took in 2,144 respondents from 23 industries.

It found that the average happiness index of workers is up for a second consecutive year to 5.3 out of 10 from 4.97 last year.

Workers aged 31 to 40 saw the lowest happiness levels, scoring just 5.16 - 0.37 points lower than their senior counterparts over the age of 50.

Also indicated is a correlation between educational attainment and happiness: workers with PhDs scored ?6.41, higher than master's degree holders at 5.56, and bachelor's and diploma holders, who averaged 5.14.

Freelancers were happier than full- and part-timers, or those on contracts.

Over 27 percent saw financial pressure as a key source of unhappiness, with other factors including opportunities for personal development, workplace morale and supervisors' attitudes.

The average pressure index was 6.86 - down by 0.02 points.

Contributing factors to this pressure include low salaries, difficulty in meeting daily expenses, and unemployment, alongside a lack of a sense of accomplishment at work.

CTgoodjobs director Vivienne Wong said the uptick in happiness indicates the labor market has improved. "The government has been proactive in hosting community events in recent years, creating a more positive atmosphere that has stimulated local consumption and bolstered the economy, contributing to greater happiness among Hongkongers," she said.