Ireland : Private sector workers in Ireland are unhappy compared to their public sector counterparts, new research claims.
And younger workers are also less content than middle-aged employees, according to the Coyne Research survey of 1,000 adults, commissioned by Dublin-based recruitment company Eden Recruitment.
However, the research also suggests that workers are more satisfied now than they were in 2017.
Overall, six out of 10 say that they are happy in the workplace with 20pc claiming to be unhappy. Among those surveyed, the over-55s were the most contented, while 65pc of public sector workers claimed to be happy at work, compared to 58pc in the private sector. Female employees were more likely to be dissatisfied than male counterparts.
Overall, 35pc of those surveyed said they were happier at work this year than in 2017, with one quarter admitting to be less happy.
Dissatisfaction was highest among those between 35 and 44 years of age. “From talking to clients and candidates, we know that the tight housing environment is a major concern among employees, especially those in their thirties and forties and this is reflected in the survey,” said Eden Recruitment managing director Susan Keogh.
“The continuing gender pay gap may help explain higher dissatisfaction levels among female staff.”
The news comes after a recent Eurobarometer survey found that Irish employees are among the happiest in Europe when it comes to a work-life balance.
A third (34pc) say they are very satisfied with that balance with 50pc claiming to be “fairly” satisfied.
