Despite global economic challenges, LinkedIn research reveals most professionals are happy in their current job.
65% of UK professionals are currently happy in their current positions – according to new research[1] published today by LinkedIn (NYSE:LNKD), the world’s largest professional network with more than 135 million members worldwide.
The survey, which covered more than 12,000 professionals worldwide, revealed nearly two thirds of UK professionals to be either “happy” or “very happy” in their current job compared to a global average of 63%. This compares with a figure of 80% for Dutch professionals – the most professionally content – and just 31% of employees in Japan.
The survey also covered professionals’ outlook on their future opportunities at their current job; globally, 52% of those surveyed “agree” or “strongly agree” that, “If I work hard and demonstrate results, I have good opportunity to advance in my company.” Professionals in Brazil ranked as the most optimistic – with 63% of local professionals saying that if they work hard and demonstrate results, they have a good opportunity to advance in their company. This compares to just 44% of Spanish professionals who ranked as the least optimistic, just ahead of the UK at 45%.
In terms of career ambitions and aspirations; globally, the most popular were:
1. Get promoted
2. I’m happy where I am
3. Change industries or careers
While in the UK the most popular responses were listed in the following order, reflecting local professionals’ broad contentment and satisfaction with their careers:
1. Get promoted
2. I’m happy where I am
3. Change industries or careers
Global survey summary:
* Most professionals have a hopeful outlook about their future with their current employer. 52% percent of global respondents agreed that if they work hard and demonstrate results, they have a good opportunity to advance in their company.
* Professionals in the Netherlands ranked as being the happiest. Eighty percent of professionals in the Netherlands said they were “happy” or “very happy” with their current job.
* Japanese professionals ranked as being the least happy with only 31% of professionals in that country stating they were “happy” or “very happy” with their current job.
* Professionals in Brazil ranked as being the most optimistic. 63% of professionals in Brazil said that if they work hard and demonstrate results, they have a good opportunity to advance in their company.
* Spanish professionals ranked as being the least optimistic with only 44% of professionals in that country agreeing that if they work hard and demonstrate results, they have a good opportunity to advance in their company.
“A tough economy can make professionals appreciate parts of their job they might otherwise overlook when business is booming,” said Ariel Eckstein, Managing Director of LinkedIn EMEA.