As Labor Day approaches, yes123 Job Network today (30th) released its latest "Labor Day Wishes and Workplace Happiness Index Survey," revealing the true conditions facing Taiwan's workers amid long working hours, financial pressures, and an imbalance in quality of life.

The survey found that a significant 57.2% of workers consider themselves to be in poor physical and mental health, while over 70% indicated they do not spend enough time with family or partners outside of work. Moreover, 31.2% of workers are in a dire situation where their debts exceed their assets, forcing them to live off loans. Although 68.8% of workers have assets greater than or equal to their debts, the average net worth is only NT$359,000, and only 12.9% believe they have assets worth over NT$1 million.

The threshold for feeling secure in life is also rising; 52.2% of respondents believe that they need to possess “eight figures” of wealth (i.e., over NT$10 million) to feel secure, while another 16.2% believe they need “nine figures” (over NT$100 million) for a sense of safety.

Notably, despite the heavy economic pressures, the overall “Workplace and Life Happiness Index” has risen, averaging 61.2 points, the highest in three years. This is an increase from 60.6 points last year and 61.6 points the year before, suggesting signs of recovery. Yes123 spokesperson Yang Zongbin analyzed that despite health and financial pressures, workers are still attempting to seek happiness from family and interpersonal relationships.

However, Yang expressed concern, stating that the prevailing culture of overtime and long working hours leads to fatigue and deteriorating health, which affects work efficiency and quality of life. Under the dual pressures of low wages and inflation, workers' financial burdens are increasing, leading to a decline in consumer power and a simultaneous decrease in their willingness to buy homes, marry, and have children. This may ultimately impact Taiwan's domestic economy and long-term development negatively.

He calls on companies and the government to address workers' needs, not only focusing on salary figures but also improving workplace conditions, reducing overwork risks, and enhancing the balance between work and life. Otherwise, this will negatively affect corporate performance and hinder overall economic growth.

The "Labor Day Wishes and Workplace Happiness Index Survey" was conducted by yes123 Job Network from April 15 to April 28, 2025, through an online questionnaire that targeted members aged 20 and over who have graduated (or have completed military service) and are currently employed, yielding 1,277 valid responses, of which 633 were from men and 644 from women, with a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of ±2.74%.