Workplace Happiness Index 2025

Workplace happiness is linked to a host of positive outcomes: staff retention, productivity, and motivation, to name just three. With happiness being a key factor in organisational success and employee wellbeing, it’s a worthwhile area for leaders to focus on.

In 2025, the Workplace Happiness Index found that roughly two-thirds (65%) of Kiwi workers are happy at work, with 12% actively unhappy. Additionally, 32% of New Zealanders report feeling burnt out, with 29% often dreading going to work.

There are many more insights in the report that present opportunities for employers to improve workplace happiness, to boost retention and foster a company culture that attracts top talent. Here are some of the key findings.

The top factors contributing to workplace happiness for Kiwis

1. 1.

   Purpose

2. 2.

   Day-to-day responsibilities

3. 3.

   Manager

4. 4.

   Company culture

5. 5.

   Company values

What Kiwis are happiest with at work

1. 1.

   Location of work

2. 2.

   Team/colleagues

3. 3.

   Work-life balance

4. 4.

   Day-to-day role responsibilities

5. 5.

   Flexible working arrangements

What Kiwis are least happy with at work

1. 1.

   Career progression opportunities

2. 2.

   Company commitment to ESG

3. 3.

   Salary

4. 4.

   Stress levels

5. 5.

   The success of your company

Kiwis are happiest when...

1. 1.

   I’m recognised for my efforts (35%)

2. 2.

   I’m being productive (34%)

3. 3.

   Work is interesting (33%)

Biggest drops in happiness

1. 1.

   Job security (down 7 percentage points)

2. 2.

   Workload demands (down 6 percentage points)

Gen Z workers are the least happy generation at work

1. 1.

   58% of Gen Z are happy at work (up from last year)

2. 2.

   62% of millennials are happy at work

3. 3.

   69% of Gen X are happy at work