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The 23 countries with the happiest and most loyal workers

Dec 1, 2016, 12:41 IST

23. Canada — It wasn't just Universum that found Canadians to be happy in work. According to a similar study in 2012, 76% of Canadians say they're either 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with their jobs. Comprehensive human rights laws protect nationals from discrimination, while employment laws set the minimum wage, health and safety standards, and hours of work.

22. Chile — The South American nation has one of the fastest growing economies on the continent. This has clearly provided a boost to the happiness of its workers.

21. Panama — You're unlikely to get rich working in Panama thanks to the country's low wages, but you're equally as unlikely to be overworked. You're entitled to 30 days of paid vacation and a lot of businesses offer two-hour lunch breaks. The line between professional and personal lives is also blurred and, according to expat website Internations, it's not uncommon to meet your colleagues' families.

20. Brazil — The Brazilian constitution ensures fair conditions for workers. The maximum number of hours an employee can work is 44 per week, and overtime cannot exceed two hours per day.

19. Colombia — Colombia has one of the fastest growing economies in the region, particularly in the start-up and tech sector. As Andre Siqueira, Universum's Director for Latin America notes, "this means lots of opportunities are being created for employers and employees."

18. Spain — According to a report from Spain's Institute for Family Policies, Spanish employees work some of the longest hours in Europe, but Universum's findings suggest that this doesn't necessarily impede their happiness.

17. Singapore — Despite there being no minimum wage in Singapore, workers can enjoy some of the best working conditions and competitive salaries. Generous holiday allowances and public holidays are also a plus.

16. France — Employment laws are strict in France to ensure the wellbeing of workers. Companies must grant five working weeks of paid vacation time and there are special paid allowances for grievances and weddings. France is also one of around a dozen European countries where zero-hour contracts are illegal.

15. Bulgaria — Working conditions in Bulgaria have steadily improved over time thanks to progressive legislation protecting workers' rights to sociable working hours and paid leave.

14. Romania — Job security is important to Romanians and, according to Esther Senecky from Universum, the growing presence of international firms in the country is bringing increased stability to workers. He says: "If an employer offers stable work, Romanian employees are loyal and happy and don’t look for other opportunities."

13. Mexico — Working hours aren't regulated in Mexico and wages are often fairly low, but that doesn't stop them enjoying their work. The OECD Better Life Index also found that Mexicans are more satisfied with life in general than many other nations.

12. Switzerland — France's neighbour consistently ranks among the top countries in the world when it comes to job satisfaction. German consultancy firm Geva Institut lauded the country's workplace atmosphere and the opportunity for advancement in the country.

11. Germany — Germany is often considered the industrial powerhouse of Europe. Workers in one of the strongest economies in Europe work fewer hours but often get more done thanks to a prolific work ethic.

10. Czech Republic — Universum's country manager for the Czech Republic, Tomas Rašner, says "stronger loyalty towards an employer might be caused by a traditional Czech characteristic – being rather settled down, calm and stable." He notes that their research shows Czech people do not look for challenges that much and are not so career or success driven.

9. Hungary — This small nation's workforce is the happiest in Eastern Europe.

8. Belgium — Belgium topped last year's ranking, but fell to a still-respectable 8th place this year. Its workforce rarely considers alternative employment and they boast the highest job satisfaction rate in the world.

7. Finland — It's not just Universum's study that found Finns are happy in their jobs. A report from the EU Commission found that only 4.7% of Finland’s working population is dissatisfied with their work, the lowest rating in the EU.

6. Netherlands — Because the Netherlands recognises that work is tiring, the country has strict guidelines surrounding the number of hours an employee can work. The Working Hours act says an employee may work a maximum of 9 hours per day, and the maximum hours per week is set at 45.

5. Austria —There's not a lot to complain about from a worker's perspective in Austria. High salaries are complemented by up to five weeks of holiday and 13 bank holidays. Generous maternity leave means female employees must take leave for the final eight weeks of their pregnancy and the eight weeks following the birth.

4. Sweden — This Scandinavian nation is obsessed with work-life balance. So much so that they even trialed a six hour work day. Only 1% of Swedes work more than 50 hours per week and parents can split 480 days of parental leave between them.

3. Costa Rica — As the only South American country to crack the top 10, Costa Rica's tourism and crop exporting industries are creating an abundance of steady and satisfying jobs.

2. Norway — One of many Scandinavian countries to make the ranking, Norway just missed out on the top spot. However, the country still earned an impressive nine out of ten for job security and earnings in the OECD's Better Life Index.

1. Denmark — The country rose from 4th last year to top the ranking. Danish employers make happiness a priority. In an attempt to keep power evenly spread, companies with over 35 employees must open up seats on the board to regular employees who will then have the same rights and powers as anyone else in the top management team.

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