South African employees are among the happiest and most engaged workers in the world, according to Gallup’s latest State of the Global Workplace report.

This annual report is the largest ongoing study of employee experience.

It reveals that 29% of South African workers are engaged in their jobs.

Compared to the global average of 23%.

South Africa, classified as a ‘high labour rights’ country, benefits from labour regulations that positively impact workers’ lives and well-being.

Boosting their engagement and enthusiasm.

The Benefits of High Employee Engagement

High employee engagement brings significant advantages to companies.

Engaged employees boost productivity, improve customer service, and foster innovation.

A positive work environment, driven by engaged staff, also reduces turnover and cuts recruitment costs, reflecting high job satisfaction and happiness.

Fewer Disengaged Employees in South Africa

In recent years, the rate of disengaged employees in South Africa has decreased to 11.7%, below the global average of 15% and the regional average of 17%.

Although fewer employees are dissatisfied, challenges remain.

Stress and Job Hunting

Despite the positive trends, 56% of South African employees are actively looking for new jobs, with stress being a major factor.

Globally, 41% of employees report significant work-related stress.

Poor management practices often contribute to this stress, negatively impacting both employee health and business performance.

In summary, while South African employees are notably happier and more engaged than many of their global counterparts, addressing workplace stress remains crucial for sustaining this positive trend.