Job optimism up, but global work woes linger

The happiest employees in the world? Over half (56%) of employees in Australia and New Zealand report being "thriving"—the highest percentage globally, according to Gallup's State of the Global Workplace 2025 report. However, this marks a 13-point decline from 2011, indicating a downward trend in employee well-being in the region.

Despite this decline, the report highlights that employees in Australia and New Zealand are more optimistic about the job market scenario, with 72% believing it's a good time to find a job—also the highest percentage worldwide.

However, the report also highlights several challenges faced by employees in both Australia and New Zealand—particularly high daily stress levels. About 49% of workers in the region say they experience significant stress, which is slightly higher than the global average of 40%. Notably, 53% of female employees report feeling more stressed at work, compared to 46% of male employees.

About 15% of employees in Australia and New Zealand face daily anger issues compared to the global average of 21%. Further, 16% of female employees report facing anger issues  at work, compared to just 14% of male employees, said the report. 

At least 20% of employees in Australia and New Zealand report feeling sad at work. Female employees are more affected, with 23% experiencing sadness, compared to 19% of male employees, said the report. .

These findings underscore the importance of addressing employee well-being and engagement to maintain a productive and satisfied workforce level, the report mentioned.

Top takeaways of the Gallup report 

Meanwhile, this excerpt from the report presents a mixed picture of the global and regional job markets and employee well-being. Here's a breakdown of what it reveals:

At least 51% of global employees think it’s a “good time” to find a job—however this is the lowest level since 2021, suggesting that optimism about job opportunities is declining globally. But employees in Australia and New Zealand think it's a good time to find a job, suggesting the stronger economic conditions or labour market dynamics in this region compared to others.

Only 33% of global employees say they are "thriving," which has declined for a second year in a row and is at its lowest level since 2021. 56% of employees in Australia and New Zealand still consider themselves as "thriving", even though this is a much lower number than in previous years.

Stress levels are slightly lower than in the recent past but still higher than pre-pandemic norms. Anger is stable, but sadness is high, pointing to persistent emotional strain. More than 20% of employees globally report experiencing loneliness, which is concerning and highlights the need for stronger social and emotional support systems in workplaces.