The US has the happiest employees among the countries included in research released by Robert Half International Inc. (NYSE: RHI). Germany and the Netherlands followed. The lowest levels of employee happiness were found in France, Belgium and the UK, respectively.

Based on an index from zero to 100, where zero is the worst possible outcome and 100 the most favorable, the happiness scores were:

1. Average: 68.1
2. US: 71.8
3. Germany: 71.2
4. Netherlands: 69.9
5. Australia: 67.9
6. Canada: 67.8
7. UK: 67.2
8. Belgium: 65.2
9. France: 63.8

The research also found the top drivers of employee happiness vary by country. In the US, UK and Canada, the highest-ranking factors are having pride in one’s organization, feeling appreciated and being treated with fairness and respect.

“Employee happiness is closely connected to organizational productivity and innovation,” said Paul McDonald, senior executive director for Robert Half. “Happy employees are typically more engaged and driven to succeed. They aren’t just working for paychecks but toward a larger company vision.”

Additional results found the happiest employees in the following categories:

• Field: Marketing and creative
• Tenure: First year on the job
• Role: Senior executive
• Company size: Fewer than 10 employees
• Age: 55-plus

The study was developed by Robert Half and Happiness Works, and conducted by an independent research firm. It is based on survey results of more than 23,000 working professionals across eight countries in Europe, North America and Australia.