A survey of professional adults in the UK has revealed that just 10 percent are satisfied with their jobs.
The study, commissioned by Peer 1 Hosting, asked 1,300 professionals about their job satisfaction. Over a third of those surveyed – at 36 percent – believed they could be at least twice as effective at their job if their employer recognised their full potential.
Just one in seven respondents believed their employer properly nurtured their potential and talents – and only one in five felt inspired by their company. Not only are employees unhappy, but the majority did not agree that customers were “very happy with the products or services that they receive”.
The prime motivation for almost half of those surveyed as not money. The majority wanted their talent recognised and nurtured through personal development and training – at 87 percent.
Asked to describe, in 140 characters or less, chief problems with their organisations, responses included ineffective management that does not listen to staff and head office imposing its own, out of touch policies. Others said the workload is getting bigger – with longer hours – as well as citing lack of opportunities, salary, and funding.
IT workers in particular were outspoken about the financial gains relating to personal growth and training. Overall, employees in smaller organisations felt more satisfied.
Young Londoners working in the financial sector were found to be most dissatisfied with their job, while 16-24 year olds working in professional services in Northern Ireland appreciated their job the most.
EMEA MD of Peer 1, Dominic Monkhouse, said it’s vital for companies to nurture individual employees to help them realise their own ambitions – “this then becomes a virtuous circle, unlocking potential and productivity while also making the working environment one that staff value,” he said.
