Amidst the changing world of work, there's one clear winner: the construction industry. According to a recent worker happiness study by BambooHR, construction workers are the happiest self-reported profession.
But why? And how do other industries compare? Let's take a look.
What makes construction workers the happiest workers?
The first half of 2023 shows construction workers wearing big smiles. Their happiness score, known as eNPS, is a whopping 49 out of 100—which doesn't seem great but is the equivalent of acing the test.
There are some big reasons for their joy:
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Keeping Busy: There's a lot of work to do, so work is plentiful. Buildings, homes, roads, and more. Construction workers have jobs waiting for them. And when people are busy, they feel important and happy.
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Pay Increases: Everyone likes to get paid well, right? Construction workers are earning more than ever before with hourly wages soaring to a 40-year high.
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Promising Future: Big plans in the public and private sectors alike are in the works to build even more stuff like roads and internet lines. This means job security.
Worker Shortages
But it's not all sunshine and rainbows—well, maybe not in the long run. There is a growing need for construction workers. And while higher demand often means higher pay and the ability for experienced workers to be more selective, in the meantime, that may mean having to do more with a smaller team—which puts pressure on everyone.
The Happiness of Other Fields Surveyed
When it comes to other professional spheres, finance professionals are right behind construction workers with their appreciation for remote work and company trust. Nonprofit workers follow, finding joy in their impactful roles. Those in food and travel are optimistic, though staffing issues loom. Teachers feel underrecognized, tech workers are stressed due to office returns and shaky company situations, while medical professionals, facing challenging roles, often feel undervalued.
The Importance of Feeling Valued
The construction industry is on top when it comes to happiness. Workers there are building not just buildings but also a future full of promise. Other industries have their ups and downs, but one thing's clear—every worker wants to feel valued and important.
One Way to Make Your Workers Feel Valued: The Right Equipment
Workers who feel valued are often more loyal and are overall better workers. One way to make your workers feel valued is to make sure they always have the right tools for the job.
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