BERLIN, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- Germany’s economic resurgence has not been enough to make its citizens happier, but job market changes might.
After years of recession, economic growth is up in Germany and joblessness has fallen to 3.7 million from 4.4 million last year. Consumer spending is up and the national budget is more balanced.
But surveys of public opinion do not see an upsurge in happiness, Deutsche Welle reported Wednesday.
Though a weak economy can lead to unhappiness, an increase in income does not necessarily make people happier, experts say. What does improve their mood is the feeling they are in control of their lives and have the power to make positive changes.
If that’s the case, the evolving nature of employment in the German economy could lead to more happiness, the newspaper said.
The traditional hierarchical German workplace is giving way to more fluid relationships between bosses and workers. And workers are less afraid to leave jobs that make them unhappy, or to accept lower-paying, less-stable jobs that are more enjoyable.
