A recent study reveals stark differences in attitudes towards work between Europe and countries in the Global South. The study also raises concerns about Europe’s approach to addressing emerging workforce challenges.
The study, conducted by Amrop, a global leadership and executive search consultancy, surveyed 8,000 participants across Germany, France, Poland, the UK, the USA, China, India, and Brazil. It found that people in the Global South were generally more satisfied with their work-life balance than those in the EU.
While German, French, and Polish respondents reported satisfaction levels below 50%, India showed a much higher satisfaction rate of 73.3%, and the USA had 59.9%, despite having lower social and labor regulations. The term “Global South” in the study refers to developing economies, including India, Brazil, and China.
Annika Farin, Global Chair of Amrop, expressed her surprise at Europe’s reluctance to take on more responsible roles in business and politics. “We should take that seriously and do something about it jointly,” Farin told Euronews. She believes the findings should serve as a wake-up call for European leaders to address these issues more urgently.
Farin also discussed the challenges ahead due to AI development and demographic shifts, such as the retirement of Baby Boomers and the influx of Gen Z into the workforce. “We cannot underestimate what’s coming. We’ll need more people to join our countries,” she said, calling for greater innovation in migration policies.
The study also highlighted the global preferences for working conditions. The USA ranked as the most attractive destination for workers, with 33% of global participants favoring its job market, high salaries, and diverse industries. Germany followed with 22%, ahead of Canada and the UK, both at 21%.
