Dutch least stressed at work according to new survey

Do you whistle while you work? If you’re Dutch you may do, according to a survey of 25,000 employees worldwide reported in the Telegraaf on Thursday.

The research by recruiter Robert Half, including 1,300 people in the Netherlands, showed the Dutch workers had a high happiness score of 69.9 out of 100. According to a press release, this puts it in the top three, after the US and Germany.

The Dutch employees also reported the lowest stress levels (55.9 out of a maximally-relaxed 100), compared with workers in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the UK and US. The report linked contentment at work with higher levels of respect, participation and feeling valued.

However, the Dutch respondents weren’t so keen on friendship at work, with just under half saying that real friendships there contributed to their happiness.

The report, conducted with the group Happiness Works, suggests that older workers are more likely to link happiness with pride in their organisation, while the youngest are keen on work that is worthwhile.