Belgian youth generally satisfied at work

Belgian youth are more satisfied with their jobs than the average European, according to a study by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. Eurostat's first Quality of Life index ranks the 28 EU member states according to average overall life satisfaction, to which work is considered one of the main contributing factors. The results show that other important contributing factors are health, social relationships, education and income, among others.

Young Belgians (between 16 and 24 years of age) come in seventh place in the European ranking, with an average job satisfaction of 7.6 out of 10, compared to the European average of 7.2. That's higher than neighbouring countries France (7.1) and Germany (7.3), but lower than Luxembourg, with a score of 7.9.

“When employees are happy, it provides numerous benefits for businesses," says Frédérique Bruggeman of human resource consulting firm Robert Half. "Satisfied employees are usually more productive and motivated, and they tend to stay longer with the company."