Following on from the Gender Pay Gap reporting deadline, Personal Group, have published their ‘Gender Happiness Gap’ research. The results have shown there is a large gap between males and females workplace happiness in the UK.
The survey created by the benefits provider, questioned more than 1,200 employees on their enthusiasm, happiness, efficiency and pride at work. A reported 66% of PAYE (Pay As you Earn) male employees are happy at work or at least some of the time, whereas 77% of PAYE female employees are happy at work. This is very surprising due to the recent Gender Pay Gap reports published have shown eight in ten organisations pay their male staff more than females.
In terms of the whole workforce, females aged between 30-49 years are the unhappiest age group. The survey highlights just under half (45%) of female employees say they’re happy most of the times at work whereas 38% of males are. Female’s unhappiness at work could be because they find it difficult to balance their family and work commitments.
Personal Group also identified from their survey that those in senior positions are more likely to show higher levels of enthusiasm than those who are frontline staff. Around 70% of females in senior roles are enthusiastic about their job whereas only 37% of frontline female staff show enthusiasm. On the other hand, only 50% of males who are at the top of their career ladder are enthusiastic about their job whereas 30% of frontline male staff display high levels of enthusiasm.
Chief Executive Officer at Personal Group, Mark Scanlon, stated: “The results of our survey are worrying to say the least. The fact that so many employees rarely or never feel happy at work shows that many businesses are doing something very wrong and are likely suffering the consequences in lost productivity”.
The Gender Happiness Gap research highlights frontline employees aren’t as happy or enthusiastic in their job role as those in senior positions. To change this, employers should look at creating a career pathways for employees so they know how they can grow and develop within the business. Employers should plan how the employee’s career progression can be achieved. Training and mentoring are often used to develop skills and knowledge so this could be used to help employees.
Employers must also be prepared to listen and change. If a strategy isn’t implemented to improve workplace happiness, its likely employees will leave the company. If employees aren’t confident to speak to their employer about any issues they have, an anonymous suggestion box could be used to encourage feedback. Employee happiness will increase if employers are listening to any requests/problems they may have.
For more information on the ‘Gender Happiness Gap’ research, click here
If you need and support or guidance in increasing the overall happiness in your workplace, please contact a member of the HPC team:
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