Salary then working hours are the top two factors people consider when thinking about a new job or career, suggests a survey of 2,000 adults, commissioned by the Oxford Open Learning Trust.
The research carried out by YouGov finds that money is the biggest motivator behind career choice (64%), followed by working hours (55%), and that more than a quarter of British workers (28%) are considering switching careers in the next decade, while 13% were possibly looking to move within the next four years.
Some 58% said they’d consider training or retraining for a new career, rising to 66% among current workers.
A separate study, however, finds that 42% of 18 to 34-year-olds would take a pay cut to work in a company with a positive impact and purpose in the world – 23% of over 35s would also consider it, according to a survey of 2,000 people aged over 18, by pharmaceutical company MSD.
Some 74% of young workers (18-34) and 66% of over 35s would be happier working for a company with positive impact and purpose in the world, while half of young workers would leave a company that does not prioritise social purpose. More than two-thirds (69%) of 18 to 34-year-olds and 56% of over 35s say they would be more productive in a company that has a positive impact.
According to another survey, 43% of Brits would resign if work perks stopped.The survey by Adler of 1,000 UK workers also found that a third of respondents want continuing refreshment and updating of their benefits, stating that they would leave if this did not take place. The top five key desirables that workers are keen to see in their benefits packages as standard are: flexi-time, pension schemes, performance bonuses, matching pensions contributions and free food and drinks in the office. Some 45% of respondents would apply for a job based on the benefits package alone.
Top factors when choosing a new job
1 Salary: 64%
2 Working hours: 55%
3 Location: 50% and Personal interest / enjoyment: 50%
4 Job security: 40%
5 Working environment: 37%
6 Opportunities for progression: 26%
7 Opportunities for training/learning a new skill: 23%
8 The opinions of my family/partner: 12%
9 Status: 9%
Source: Oxford Open Learning Trust