Accountants Are Some Of The Unhappiest Workers

A new study has been released that uncovers which professions in the U.S. and Canada yield the happiest workers — and which leave their employees feeling miserable.

Reports Tuesday (Dec. 27) said Robert Half has published the findings of its survey that found, overall, employees are pretty happy, scoring an average of 71 on the happiness scale up to 100. Still, some industries have happier employees than others.

Teaching, marketing and design professionals rated their happiness levels the highest, according to the report. Legal professionals reported the highest levels of stress, and accountants and financial professionals were the least happy.

Despite an overall feeling of contentment among U.S. and Canadian workers, about a third told surveyors that they will likely leave their employer in the next six months. Having pride in one’s company, being treated fairly and with respect and employee appreciation surfaced as the top three requirements for employee happiness.

“Happiness is essential for a business to successfully thrive,” wrote Jeanie Sharp, regional manager for Robert Half. “Employees and employer are all connected; if the staff is happy, management generally follows suit. However, if morale is low and employees are resentful of their workplace, the business will reflect it in its bottom line.”

“For professionals across all industries, happiness at work generally comes down to choosing the right role and the right employer,” Sharp continued. “There’s no simple formula for creating a happy team, but there are factors that could make the most stressed lawyers and unhappiest accountants look forward to a Monday morning like the happiest of senior marketing and teaching professionals.”