Work-life balance surpasses salary as the primary factor for workplace happiness among APAC employees surveyed

 Across APAC, 97% of respondents said that it is important to be happy at work.  

A new survey by PERSOLKELLY, conducted in July 2023, highlights the impact of employee wellbeing and a sense of purpose in the workplace on talent acquisition, retention, and attrition across businesses of all sizes. 

These are the key findings that were gathered from the report, titled 'How to Attract and Retain Top Talent by Cultivating a Happy Workplace', and released on 15 November 2023: 

• 97% of respondents across APAC said that being happy at work is important.
  For current work-life satisfaction, Vietnam (89%), Indonesia (88%), and India (86%) lead, while Singapore (37%), Korea (28%), Australia (24%), Hong Kong (24%), and Taiwan (24%) lag behind. 
• Across APAC, 35% of the respondents perceived themselves as the primary driver in improving workplace satisfaction, implying that the respondents acknowledge that each individual recognises that a happy workplace starts with themselves. Direct managers and HR serve as secondary drivers, each at 15%. 
• Just 67% of respondents sought support from their managers to achieve work-related aspirations, and 1 in 4 observed no significant workplace changes despite seeking help, especially in Hong Kong. 
• Most respondents (73%) believe age doesn't constrain job choices in their career, except in Singapore (44%), China (34%), and Korea (32%). Among those who feel restricted, the majority (33%) belong to the 45-54 age group. 
  PERSOLKELLY CEO Francis Koh commented: “Our latest report underscores that employee happiness is the cornerstone of talent attraction, retention, and business success across the Asia-Pacific region." 

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Lead photo / 123RF