How do Europe’s happiest workers compare to Britain’s least satisfying job?

Europe’s most satisfied and happiest work forces have been revealed in a survey spanning the continent.

The Netherlands has been named as the home of the happiest employees, as well as featuring the lowest rates of disinterest through Europe. Joining for fifth place behind the Netherlands, Poland and Germany was the UK, which shared the spot with France and Germany.

Within the UK, Scotland and Northern Ireland appeared to be the least satisfied, with Northern Ireland also featuring the largest percentage of disinterest, not satisfied but not dissatisfied either. The highest satisfaction rates came from the East and North West regions of England, with the East showing satisfaction at 75%, almost as high as the Netherlands. London had the lowest dissatisfaction of all the UK regions, with Northern Ireland having the second lowest figures despite also being the least satisfied.

The study, run by ADP, wanted to explore how workplace environments behave between different European countries, as well as examining the behaviours of different sectors within the countries. Britain’s least satisfied workers were within the finance industry, where just 57% of employees were happy with their job. This result was considered particularly surprising compared to the European average, which sits at 71% satisfaction.

Conversely, Britain’s most satisfying industry is 12% above the average, as 84% of architecture, engineering and building workers revealed that they were satisfied with their job. Britain’s healthcare, arts and manufacturing industries also rated above the EU average.

“It is positive to see that satisfaction levels are generally high across Europe, suggesting that most people are engaged in their work and feel fulfilled,” said Jeff Phipps, Managing Director of ADP UK. “The very best businesses are focussing their efforts on the ‘whole person’ ensuring that their people feel valued, have a sense of purpose and that their well-being is supported.”

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