Average person only 59% happy in their job

The average working adult is only 59% happy in their current job role. Researchers asked 2000 employees to rate their level of contentment at work across 11 key areas, from pay and company perks to relationships with colleagues and the management team.

The study found workers are generally happy with their holiday allowance and relationship with colleagues – rating both categories as seven out of 10. Perks received the lowest score (four out of 10), with employees believing they should be entitled to benefits such as mobile phones, laptops and even private health care. Opportunities for promotion are also one of the things the panel expressed unhappiness about, rated at a modest five out of 10.

Ann Haydon, Principal at Surbiton High School, which conducted the study, said: “At a time when job stability is uncertain in many companies, it is encouraging that people feel relatively satisfied with their position in the workplace. And when it comes to the areas people are least happy with, it turns out company perks and the ability to progress up the career ladder are more of a concern than aspects such as pay or holiday time.

“For many people, happiness at work is determined by what they can get out of the job – such as achieving and making a difference – than how much money they see at the end of the month – values that we try to teach our pupils.”

The study also found workers gave all other areas – such as level of pay, relationship with the boss and current workload – a six out of 10. This rating also applied to working hours, the working environment, social life, size of team and hierarchy.

As well as being asked to rate certain areas of the job, respondents were asked to name other aspects that were important to them at work. 14% claimed they would be happier if they were allowed regular tea breaks, while 34% liked to be able to manage their own workload. One in three said they liked the feeling of being able to make a difference, while 22% wanted to be able to talk to people every day. An easy commute was also important to 35% of people, while 18% said they would appreciate yearly bonuses.

Researchers also cut the data by profession, to explore exactly which trade is most content in their career. Surprisingly, teachers emerged as the happiest overall at work. Secretaries have the second most favourable jobs, scoring aspects such as their relationship with the boss and their workload highly. Engineers took third place, with accountants and drivers taking fourth and fifth respectively.

Surbiton High School carried out the study in line with its reputation for encouraging children to achieve and aspire to be successful.