For years, researchers have attempted to quantify what makes people happy in their jobs.

While it’s obvious this information would be helpful from a retention perspective, it’s something every recruiter would want to know as well.

Why?

Unhappiness is a powerful catalyst for change.

As humans, we become convinced the grass is greener on the other side by first becoming dissatisfied with our own grass.

Over the next few days, we’ll consider research conducted by the iOpener Institute for People and Performance.

In a study involving more than 9,000 people from around the world, the researchers investigated the characteristics of individuals who tend to be happy at work. Here is a quick summary.

People who are happy in their jobs…

-are contributing.

-believe in the company’s purpose.

-fit in with the culture.

-are committed to helping the company win.

-feel confident in their own abilities and the abilities of their teammates.

Each of these issues is a pathway to uncover dissatisfaction and unhappiness among your recruiting prospects.

And seeds of unhappiness eventually produce a harvest of recruiting success.