Report reveals worker wellbeing worse off than last year

Steep declines in happiness and energy levels have been found despite a growing uptake of workplace flexibility and wellness programs, research has found.

For its report, AI + Wellness 2025, Indeed conducted a survey of Aussie workers over the age of 18, working full or part-time between 13 May and 13 June 2025, to explore how company culture, leadership, and communication impact wellbeing.

Compared to last year, fewer Aussie workers feel happy at work, Indeed workplace psychologist Amanda Gordon (pictured) noted. Gordon stressed that these findings are an impetus for companies to review and prioritise their wellbeing programs to prevent a further slump in workplace wellbeing.

Wellbeing challenges

Three in four (75 per cent) Aussie workers struggled with unhappiness, purpose, dissatisfaction, and stress; while only one in four (25 per cent) Aussie workers reported high wellbeing, the findings revealed. For this year’s report, just over three in five (61 per cent) of these employees reported feeling happy at work most of the time, which was down 7 per cent from 2024.

It also found that less than one in four (23 per cent) Aussie workers felt genuine care from their company. Additionally, 83 per cent reported not feeling consistently energised at work, with significant causes being heavy workloads (60 per cent) and declining company culture (54 per cent).

Genuine commitment from employers

Further, the data revealed that Aussie workers required more than just good pay and perks to thrive in the workplace. The findings highlighted key contributors to positive employee wellbeing: high retention rates (57 per cent), flexible work arrangements (57 per cent), positive employee feedback (54 per cent), low burnout and stress levels (48 per cent), better communication and transparency (46 per cent), and a clear sense of purpose (36 per cent).

While the survey’s findings highlighted that 60 per cent of Aussie workers reported being fairly paid, having flexible hours, and working arrangements, jobseekers also sought companies with good company cultures. Further, it found that 96 per cent of Aussie workers used wellbeing data to evaluate prospective employers before applying, and 60 per cent looked for companies with “real flexibility”.

A psychologist’s take

The data shows that workplace wellbeing depends on more than just perks or flexibility. A clear sense of purpose, manageable workloads, and a steady company culture are also important. Aussie workers are motivated and productive when they feel cared for, Gordon said.

Gordon stressed that open dialogue, shared purpose, and visible support from managers facilitate a thriving workplace. The little things that leaders do to communicate and recognise people can make a big difference, she concluded.