Happiness and well-being in the Middle East and North Africa have come into focus with the turn of the New Year. A new survey by Bayt.com, the number one job site in the Middle East, and YouGov, a pioneer in online market research, titled The Bayt.com ‘Happiness in the Middle East’ survey, revealed that more than half of respondents in Egypt are satisfied with their current standard of living, at least to some degree.
To determine levels of happiness in the Middle East, the survey addressed elements of respondents’ personal lives, their professional lives, their current country of residence, and other aspects of life relating to their health and well-being.
Respondents rated the top five most important factors that impact their general happiness levels in their country of residence. In Egypt,49% said that leading a stable financial life is the most important factor for their happiness. This was followed by employment opportunities (46%), general safety and security (40%), low cost of living (39%), and ability to maintain healthy personal relationships (37%).
Happiness with Personal Life
According to the survey, personal life elements that respondents in Egypt are most satisfied with include mental well-being (86% of respondents are satisfied), current physical health (82%), relationship with family (81%), independence to take own decisions (75%), and freedom to socialize and make friends (62%).
Health-related factors emerged in the survey as important contributors to Egypt respondents’ happiness and well-being. Nearly three quarters (74%) of respondents describe their general state of health as good or excellent, and nearly six in ten (57%) are not currently suffering from any health issues.
Happiness with Professional Life
As for their professional lives, factors that respondents in Egypt are most satisfied with include working hours (48% are satisfied), support from colleagues and coworkers (46%), freedom to make decisions at work (45%), and work-life balance (42%).
Other factors that contribute to Egypt respondents’ work satisfaction revolve around stress levels, recognition, and career advancement. Nearly half (44%) of respondents are satisfied with the recognition they receive at work; more than a third (35%) are satisfied with the amount of stress they face at work; and more than a quarter (27%) are satisfied with the availability of career advancement opportunities.
Happiness with Country of Residence
In Egypt, respondents are satisfied with many factors pertaining to their country of residence. Nearly six in10 respondents in Egypt are satisfied with the comfortable weather.56% of respondents are satisfied with their ability to maintain healthy personal relationships,41% are satisfied with the opportunities to socialize, and39% are satisfied with the availability of utilities. On the other hand, only36% are satisfied with the availability of entertainment avenues, and30% are satisfied with the availability of public transport facilities.
Happiness and Stress
Stress is another element of happiness addressed by the Bayt.com survey. For respondents in Egypt, factors that contribute the most to stress levels are the increase in the cost of living (77%), current economic situation of their country of residence (65%), and current political situation of the country of residence (43%). Nonetheless, nearly one fifth (16%) of Egypt respondents have low stress levels.
“Happiness and well-being is prevalent across the Middle East and North Africa, and is most likely linked to many personal, professional, and social factors,” said Suhail Masri, Vice President of Employer Solutions at Bayt.com. “We, at the Middle East’s #1 Job Site, have always believed that improving happiness and well-being is a shared responsibility that we should live by as an organization. We have chosen to concentrate on the professional and career-related angle by persistently producing information and services that aim to address our region’s needs, especially when it comes to employment and job search. We will continue to monitor the region’s satisfaction levels and empower everyone with what they need as professionals and individuals.”
“Despite the various socio economic inconsistencies that the MENA region undergoes, it is positive to see that happiness in Egypt and across the general landscape is highly prevalent. Much of the satisfaction that is felt in the Middle East today is connected to many improvements relating to professional opportunities, standards of living, and overall development,” said Arleen Gonsalves, Assistant Research Manager at YouGov.
Data for the2016 Bayt.com ‘Happiness in the Middle East’ survey was collected online from6 December,2016 to22 December,2016. Results are based on a sample of3,747 respondents. Cities assessed include UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Syria.