How happy are Belgians at work? Are the self-employed happier than employees today? To answer these questions, life insurance company NN and Ghent University conducted a survey of Belgian workers. Against all expectations, most Belgians say they are happy at work… And it’s not because of the pay!
Professional development: the key to happiness at work
The study’s first revelation: professional development plays a major role in well-being at work. The happiest Belgians are those who take charge of their careers. They don’t wait for training to fall from the sky. On the contrary, they actively seek to learn, train and improve. For example, 55% of happy employees say they learn new things every week, compared with an average of just 37.5%. This taste for learning doesn’t stop at the technical: it extends to problem-solving, influencing decisions and celebrating successes, however small.
Indeed, 41.7% of happy workers regularly celebrate their successes, compared with just 14.1% of the less satisfied. This positive dynamic creates a virtuous circle: the more we dare, the more we learn, the better we feel. The result: happiness at work becomes contagious, and the whole team benefits. If you’re looking to boost your own job satisfaction, start by investing in your personal development. It’s simple, but terribly effective!
Assertiveness and benevolent management: the perfect balance for happiness at work
The second secret to happiness at work is assertiveness. The happiest employees know how to set their limits and assert their needs. They dare to say “no” when the load becomes too heavy (52.9% versus 48.4% on average), take regular breaks and don’t hesitate to ask their colleagues for help. This ability to listen to each other promotes a better work-life balance, without sacrificing commitment.
But that’s not all: the quality of management makes all the difference. Fulfilled employees feel supported by their superiors. Their opinions count, their well-being is respected and their values are taken into consideration. This climate of trust, in which employees feel free to express their ideas, encourages initiative and creativity. Belgian companies have understood this: investing in manager training and encouraging active listening has become an essential lever for retaining talent.
In conclusion, happiness at work is not a myth reserved for an elite. It rests on three simple pillars: continuous learning, daring to assert oneself and creating a bond with one’s professional environment. So, are you ready to join the Belgians who whistle their way to work?