What is the level of happiness among Belgians at work? Are self-employed workers happier today than employees?


To answer these questions, life insurance company NN and Ghent University conducted a study among Belgian workers. Surprisingly, most Belgians report being happy at work… and it’s not because of the salary!

 

Professional development: the key to happiness at work


The study’s first major finding: professional development plays a crucial role in workplace well-being. The happiest Belgians are those who take control of their careers. They don’t wait for training to fall into their laps. On the contrary, they actively seek to learn, grow, and improve. In fact, 55% of satisfied employees say they learn new things every week, compared to just 37.5% on average.

 

This desire to learn goes beyond technical skills—it includes problem-solving, influencing decisions, and the ability to celebrate successes, even small ones.


For instance, 41.7% of happy workers regularly celebrate their achievements, compared to just 14.1% of the less satisfied. This positive mindset creates a virtuous circle: the more you dare, the more you learn, and the better you feel. The result? Happiness at work becomes contagious, and the whole team benefits.

 

If you're looking to boost your own job satisfaction, start by investing in your personal development. It’s simple—but incredibly effective!

 

Assertiveness and compassionate leadership: the perfect balance for workplace happiness


The second secret to workplace happiness: assertiveness. The happiest employees know how to set boundaries and express their needs. They dare to say "no" when the workload becomes too much (52.9% vs. 48.4% on average), take regular breaks, and aren’t afraid to ask colleagues for help.


This ability to listen to themselves fosters a better work-life balance—without compromising their commitment.

 

But that’s not all: quality leadership makes all the difference. Happy employees feel supported by their managers. Their opinions matter, their well-being is respected, and their values are considered.


This climate of trust, where people feel free to express ideas, encourages initiative and creativity. Belgian companies have understood this well: investing in manager training and promoting active listening has become essential for retaining talent.

 

In conclusion, happiness at work isn’t a myth reserved for a privileged few. It’s built on three simple pillars: lifelong learning, assertiveness and connection with your professional environment So, are you ready to join the Belgians who whistle on their way to work?

 

Source: bruxellessecrete.com