The ADP Canada Happiness@Work Index (“Index”), is a new monthly measure that examines the happiness of Canadians in the workplace, including employees and self-employed individuals. Conducted in collaboration with Maru Public Opinion, the Index explores workplace satisfaction across Canada, expressed as a score out of 10, and tracks positive or negative changes over time.

The National Work Happiness Score for March 2023 is 6.7/10, consistent with the average benchmark collected between November 2022 and February 2023.

The Index includes a primary indicator, Canadian workers’ self-reported sentiment of happiness in their current role and responsibilities, and four secondary indicators identified to be common components of workplace happiness: (1) Work-life Balance & Flexibility, (2) Compensation & Benefits, (3) Recognition & Support (from management and colleagues) and (4) Options for Career Advancement. Primary and secondary indicators are averaged and weighted to calculate the National Work Happiness Score, along with Regional Work Happiness Scores.

March 2023 Happines@Work Index Highlights

  • National Work Happiness Score: 6.7/10
  • Indicator Breakdown
    • Primary Indicator: 7.0/10 (+0.1) *
    • Secondary Indicators:
      • Work-Life Balance and Flexibility: 6.8/10
      • Compensation and Benefits: 6.2/10
      • Recognition and Support: 6.6/10
      • Opportunities for Career Advancement: 6.1/10 (+0.1) *

*Variation against the Index benchmark reference, determined on data collected between November 2022 and February 2023.

The March Index reveals that the primary indicator of worker happiness is 7.0, an increase from February (6.8/10). Close to half (46%) of working Canadians report feeling very happy with their current role and responsibilities. Work-life balance and recognition are the top secondary drivers of workers’ happiness. Although opportunities for career advancement remains the lowest score among secondary
indicators, March reports a higher score than the winter months.

The March Index also reveals Canadian workers across generations and regions do not report feeling the same about satisfaction in the workplace:

National Work Happiness Score: Generational Snapshot

  • Boomers (56-75): 7.3/10
  • Gen-Z (18-24): 6.8/10
  • Millennials (25-40): 6.7/10
  • Gen-X (41-55): 6.6/10

Regional Work Happiness Score Snapshot

  • Québec: 7/10
  • British Columbia: 6.9/10
  • Alberta: 6.8/10
  • Atlantic Canada: 6.7/10
  • Sask/Manitoba: 6.7/10
  • Ontario: 6.5/10

For more information about ADP Canada visit www.adp.ca or follow us on Twitter @ADP_CDA.