HAYS Italia analysis of worker satisfaction in 12 countries: mismatch and opportunities for improvement

Work 302 thousand incomes planned in 2023 from core cultural

(Finance) – In a historical moment in which there is a lot of talk about mismatchwith many Italian companies that have obvious difficulties in finding new talent, becomes fundamental for managers and entrepreneurs monitor the satisfaction levels of its employees to be able, at least, to retain them, adopting measures to create an attractive and rewarding environment.

Second the analysis by Hays Italia conducted on professionals (mainly middle and top management) of 12 countries, despite the fact that in 2023 the percentage of Italians satisfied with their current job grew, reaching 61% (in 2022 it was 47%), Italy ranks second to last among the nations analyzed, followed only by Portugal (49%) and far from the more “virtuous” countries such as the Czech Republic (78%), Romania (73%) and the UK (73%). Even from a salary point of view, in Italy those satisfied with their salary represent only 57% of the sample, a figure still better than in Portugal (40%) but once again significantly lower than the Czech Republic (77%).

A photograph that fits into the context of the dynamic Italian labor market, with the employment rate rising to 61.9% in February and which between 2024 and 2028 will be able to express a need of between 3.1 and 3.6 million employed. In an international comparison, on the podium of the most satisfied we find employees from the Czech Republic (78%), Romania (73%) and the UK (73%). Followed by those of Ireland (72%), Belgium (70%), the Netherlands (70%). Below 70% of those satisfied we find Hungary (69%), Poland (67%), Spain (66%) and France (62%), while Italy (61%) and Portugal (49%) close the ranking. ).

There Czech Republic confirms its lead also regarding salary satisfaction, with 77% of happy employees. The numbers drop significantly after the first position, once again placing Romania and the new entry Belgium on the podium, both with 69% of employees satisfied with their salaries. Followed by the Netherlands (66%), UK (62%), France (60%) and Hungary (60%), followed by Ireland and Italy with 57% and Spain (53%). The most dissatisfied with their salary satisfaction are once again the Portuguese (40%), this time together with the Poles (48%).

“According to Unioncamere’s estimates, the difficulty in finding staff has cost Italy in 2023 almost 44 billion eurosso it is essential that companies invest in improving the level of employee satisfaction to retain them – he comments Carlos Soave, Managing Director of Hays Italia–. In our country, satisfaction is growing but we are still far from optimal levels, which is why we need to focus on the intangible needs of employees and not just the salary. Benefits, work-life balance, a stimulating work environment and growth opportunities are essential aspects for workers today, and increasingly influence their career choices. Companies, especially small ones, must therefore initiate a deep-rooted cultural change if they want to improve their reputation and be more attractive on the market”.

(Photo: Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash)

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