TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — More than 70% of office workers say they do not work at “happy workplaces,” according to a 1111 Job Bank survey published Friday.

Job Bank said its latest Happy Workplace Survey put the employee happiness index at 53 points, down from 57 a year earlier, per CNA. Only 26.5% of respondents said they feel happy at work, while 73.5% said their companies do not qualify as happy workplaces.

Job Bank Spokesperson Huang Jo-wei (黃若薇) said economic pressures were the main drag on morale. Although some companies raised salaries, surging living costs eroded gains, while the rapid adoption of AI increased workloads and efficiency demands.

Huang said constant pressure to upskill, coupled with tariff-related market uncertainty, has also fueled anxiety about job security. Together, these factors have created a more tense and demanding workplace.

The survey found dissatisfaction was driven primarily by pay issues. Workers cited long periods without raises or raises that were too small, followed by wages below market levels and low year-end bonuses. Excessive workloads also ranked as another major complaint.

Despite low satisfaction, job mobility remains limited. Respondents reported an average longest tenure of seven years and five months in the same position, little changed from last year, suggesting workers are adopting a cautious, wait-and-see approach.

When asked what would help retain talent, workers prioritized above-industry-average pay, followed by managers who respect and recognize employees’ efforts and attractive benefits packages. Work-life balance and harmonious workplace relationships were also seen as essential.

The survey also showed information technology and finance remain the most attractive industries, reflecting continued growth in AI, cybersecurity, and semiconductors. Huang said high pay and career development keep IT roles appealing, while finance is viewed as a stable option amid geopolitical uncertainty.