UK employees state what gives them the most joy at work

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UK employees state what gives them the most joy at work

The majority of UK employees seem to be the most happiest at work when they complete a task with no faults.

This is according to a survey conducted by CV-Library, with 52.6 per cent saying this gave them the most joy at work.  What came in at second place was helping others at 41.9 per cent  and just under a third (30.5 per cent) said testing their skills on a difficult task.

There was not much of a difference between receiving a praise from a manger (27.7 per cent) or a compliment from a colleague (24.8 per cent).

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The full list of what brings the most joy to UK employees can be seen below:

  • Completing a task with no faults (52.6 per cent)
  • Helping others (41.9 per cent)
  • Testing your skills on a difficult task (30.5 per cent)
  • Receiving praise from your manager (27.7 per cent)
  • Receiving a compliment from a colleague (24.8 per cent)
  • Being given the leading role on a project (18.8 per cent)
  • Leaving at the end of the day (17.3 per cent)
  • Getting to work on time (15.3 per cent)
  • Taking maximum breaks and leaving on time (5.4 per cent)
  • Having little work to do (3.8 per cent)

 

A closer analysis of the data shows a difference in what gives the most joy to various age groups.  The survey showed that a quarter (25.2 per cent) of 18-24-year-olds were the happiest when they received praise from their manager. Where as just under half (47.8 per cent) of 45-54-year-olds received the most joy when they were helping others.

Just over a fifth (21.2 per cent) of 55-64-year-olds felt the most joy when they complete a task with no faults.

Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library said:

We spend so much of our time at work, so it’s important that your employees enjoy what they do and get on well with the people they work with. Creating a great company culture, where professionals are encouraged to help one another, are recognised for their hard work and are constantly striving to be the best is important and employers play a crucial role in establishing this.

With the average UK workplace now facilitating up to four different generation, it’s important to understand how the needs of your employees may vary by age. Getting to know your workers and arranging monthly one-to-one catch-ups where you can discuss their progress and wellbeing can work wonders, particularly when it comes to staff retention.

This research was gathered by CV-Library asking 2,000 UK professionals  what makes them the happiest at work.

Interested in wellbeing? We recommend the Workplace Wellbeing and Stress Forum 2019.

Darius is the editor of HRreview. He has previously worked as a finance reporter for the Daily Express. He studied his journalism masters at Press Association Training and graduated from the University of York with a degree in History.

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