The ADP Canada monthly Happiness@Work Index (“Index”), celebrating its first anniversary this month, finds workers’ happiness decline in March, with all secondary indicators reporting a decrease compared to February and falling below levels registered in March of last year. The National Work Happiness Score for March 2024 is 6.6/10, representing a decrease of 0.1 points from February and slightly below the March 2023 score (6.7/10).

March 2024 Happiness@Work Index Highlights

  • National Work Happiness Score: 6.6/10 (-0.1) *
  • Indicator Breakdown
    • Primary Indicator: 6.8/10 (-0.1) *
    • Secondary Indicators:
      • Work-Life Balance & Flexibility: 6.7/10 (-0.2) *
      • Recognition & Support: 6.5/10 (-0.2) *
      • Compensation & Benefits: 6.1/10 (-0.2) *
      • Options for Career Advancement: 6.0/10 (-0.1) *

In March, the primary indicator of worker happiness declined to 6.8/10, a 0.1 point decrease from February, as forty-three percent of workers in Canada surveyed feel satisfied in their current role and responsibilities. While all secondary indicators report a reduction in score this month, work-life balance and flexibility remain the highest sentiment score. The Index also indicates that while Boomers (7.2/10) remain the happiest generation for the 15th consecutive month, they record the steepest decline this month (-0.5). Millennials are now the least happy generation at work, with a score of 6.5/10, while Gen X and Gen Z tie at 6.6/10. Regionally, Québec (6.8/10) reclaims its position as the happiest region but reports a 0.1 point decrease from February, while Atlantic Canada (6.5/10) drops from first to third place in March. Ontario (6.6/10), despite historically low regional scores to date, was the only region this month to show an increase in happiness.

National Work Happiness Score: Generational Snapshot

  • Boomers (59+): 7.2/10 (-0.5) *
  • Gen-Z (18-26): 6.6/10 (-0.1) *
  • Gen-X (43-58): 6.6/10 (NC) *
  • Millennials (27-42): 6.5/10 (-0.1) *

Regional Work Happiness Score Snapshot

  • Québec: 6.8/10 (-0.1) *
  • British Columbia: 6.6/10 (-0.4) *
  • Alberta: 6.6/10 (-0.3) *
  • Ontario: 6.6/10 (+0.1) *
  • Atlantic Canada: 6.5/10 (-0.6) *
  • Sask/Manitoba: 6.4/10 (-0.3) *

This month’s Index also reveals the importance of compensation as more than half (57%) of workers surveyed say they would feel happier in the workplace if they got a raise, and over a third (35%) indicate a bonus would make them happier. Additionally, 31 percent of workers in Canada report that more vacation days or time off would help improve their overall happiness at work.

*Variation against February 2024 scores