Over 35? Then you’re more likely to hate your job

New research reveals one fifth of workers over 35 unhappy at work but why? Aimee Stanton finds out

Nobody really likes being at work but if you’re over 35 then the chances are your less happy with your daily routine according to latest research.

The report, ‘It’s Time We All Work Happy™: The Secrets Of The Happiest Companies and Employees, by Research by Happiness Works on behalf of UK recruitment company, Robert Half UK titled, found that one fifth (17 per cent) of professionals aged over 55 are unhappy at work, alongsiede 16 per cent of 35 to 54 year olds. The millennial generation appear to be the happiest in the workplace though with less than one in ten (8 per cent) of those aged 18-34 claiming to be unhappy at work.

The study which survyed 2,000 UK professionals discovered that workplace stress is a big problem for older workers with one third (34 per cent) of people aged over 35 not enjoying their job because of the stress. On the other hand and only a quarter (25 per cent) of 18 to 35 year olds said they found their job stressful.

The older you get the more you value your work/life balance too with 12 per cent of those aged 35 to 54 and 17 per cent of those aged over 55 saying they struggle to juggle work with their personal life. In comparison, just one in 10 millennials agreed.

It turns out being underappreciated is a big factor for older workers toowitha28percentofprofessionals agedover55feelingunderappreciatedatworkandaquarter(25percent) of35to54yearoldsalsofeelingunder valued.Only15percentof18to35year olds feel under appreciated though andatotal59percentactuallyfeeling appreciated.

Whatever the age though, all employers have a duty to make their staff feel valued as Senior Managing Director of Robert Half UK, Phil Sheridan, explains, “Employees that are aged over 35 have valuable experience that the whole organisation can learn and benefit from.”

Headds,“It’simportantthattheir happiness is not neglected, so businesses need to take the time to invest in their staff at all levels. Simple things like conducting regular performance reviews, offering new opportunities for learning and setting ambitious career goals are all steps that can ensure more tenured workers feel appreciated and that career goals don’t become static.”

“It’s important that their happiness is not neglected, so businesses need to take the time to invest in their staff at all levels”

Phil Sheridan Robert Half UK