Flexible working hours and financial reward are the most important contributors to job satisfaction for UK employees, according to new research from Avilio.
The productivity and performance coaching provider commissioned an independent, nationally representative survey of 1,284 UK workers to explore what underpins Britons’ sense of job satisfaction. It found that financial reward is the top priority, with 44% of respondents citing it as their key driver.
Flexible working (being able to adjust working hours) came in second (41%), outranking hybrid working (33%), suggesting that when people work now matters more than where they work. This trend was more prevalent among respondents aged 35-54 (45%) and 55+ (42%), while younger employees aged 18-34 placed slightly less (37%) emphasis on it.
Interestingly, career progression was cited by just 22% of respondents, though this rises to 31% among younger employees (18-34). Other consistent motivators across age groups and genders include working with colleagues they get on with (39%) and the ability to provide for themselves and their family (36%).
Philippe Masson, CEO of Avilio, said: “This data highlights a clear shift in what employees’ value in their jobs. While the pandemic brought widespread hybrid working, simply allowing people to work from home is no longer enough to help them manage their work/life balance.
“Beyond financial rewards, employees now prioritise the ability to adjust their working hours, so allowing them the freedom to choose when they work could be a particularly significant factor for many prospective and existing employees in the coming years.”
