Across the Middle East and North Africa, happiness and wellbeing have come into focus with the start 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 among other characteristics of their country of residence, more than three quarters (78%) of respondents in Jordan are satisfied with the general safety and security in their country.
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 wellbeing.
Respondents rated the top five most important factors that impact their general happiness levels in their country of residence. In Jordan, employment opportunities, general safety and security, and leading a stable financial life were cited by more than half of respondents (54%) as the most important factors contributing to their happiness.
Happiness with Personal Life
According to the survey, personal life elements that respondents in Jordan are most satisfied with include mental wellbeing (91% are satisfied), current physical health (87%), relationship with family (82%), independence to take one’s own decisions (80%), and freedom of expression (67%).
Health-related factors emerged in the survey as important contributors to Jordan respondents’ happiness and wellbeing. More than eight in10 respondents (82%) describe their general state of health as good or excellent, and nearly two thirds (64%) are not currently suffering from any health issues.
Happiness with Professional Life
As for their professional lives, factors that respondents in Jordan are most satisfied with include working hours (50% are satisfied), support from colleagues and coworkers (46%), and recognition at work (43%).
Other factors that contribute to Jordan respondents’ work satisfaction revolve around stress levels and career advancement. Nearly half (44%) of respondents are satisfied with their work-life balance and more than four in ten (41%) respondents are satisfied with the amount of stress they face at work. Nevertheless, only29% of respondents are satisfied with the availability of career advancement opportunities.
Happiness with Country of Residence
In Jordan, respondents are satisfied with many factors pertaining to their country of residence, including general safety and security (78%), comfortable weather (71%), ability to maintain healthy personal relationships (69%), availability of utilities (64%), access to educational institutions (62%), stability of political environment (56%), and opportunities to socialize (54%).
Happiness and Stress
Stress is another element of happiness addressed by the Bayt.com survey. For respondents in Jordan, factors that contribute the most to stress levels are the increase in the cost of living (74%), current economic situation in the country of residence (49%), and work related issues (42%). However, one fifth (20%) of respondents in Jordan report having low stress levels.
“Happiness and wellbeing 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 wellbeing 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.