UK Trades and Industries Where Job Satisfaction is Thriving

Our Job Satisfaction Index has revealed encouraging insights into how UK workers feel about their jobs. To better determine the levels of job satisfaction throughout the nation, we surveyed over 2000 UK respondents from a range of industries and regions.

While the survey highlights areas for improvement, it also showcases industries and trades where employees are thriving, happy, and feel fairly rewarded for their hard work.

Many UK Workers Are Happy in Their Roles

The survey found that 72% of respondents report being happy in their jobs, which is a strong reminder that most people enjoy what they do. Many industries also combine competitive pay with high satisfaction, showing that career happiness is achievable across sectors.

Construction and Trades Shine in Job Satisfaction

Among trade industries, Property & Construction workers are leading the way, with 36% saying they are extremely satisfied with their roles. Even in positions with 16% earning under £23K, workers report high engagement and enjoyment, proving that fulfillment isn’t just about salary.

Other trades also show positive outcomes:

• Engineering & Manufacturing offers both strong pay and high satisfaction, with nearly 25% earning over £55K and one-third of employees feeling content in their roles.
  

• Energy & Utilities workers report the highest perception of fair pay (69%), alongside competitive salaries, highlighting the link between recognition and satisfaction.

High-Earning Industries That Make Workers Happy

The study also looked at industries outside trades:

• IT employees top the pay scale, with 53% earning over £55K, and 45% extremely satisfied with their roles.
• Other high-satisfaction sectors include Recruitment & HR (38%) and Property & Construction (36%), showing that fulfillment can come from meaningful work as well as high pay.

Encouraging Gender and Regional Insights

• Gender: While pay gaps exist, women and men across industries report enjoying their work, and initiatives to support fair pay can further improve satisfaction.
• Regions: The South East and Scotland report the highest levels of satisfaction, with many employees feeling valued and fairly compensated. Even in regions with lower pay, industries like Property & Construction show that engagement and enjoyment are strong.

How Workers Can Boost Their Job Satisfaction

Essential Workwear also encourages workers to take steps to improve their experience at work:

1. Match your role to your skills and values to ensure fulfillment.
2. Have open conversations with managers about career growth and development.
3. Prioritize industries or roles where employees report high engagement.
4. Upskill and improve routines to gain confidence and satisfaction in daily tasks.

Our job satisfaction index shows that millions of UK workers are happy and thriving in their careers. Fair pay, recognition, and a positive environment are key to job satisfaction, and there are many industries where people are already experiencing this.

Whether you’re exploring a new career path or aiming to enhance your current role, the research shows there are plenty of opportunities for UK workers to find satisfaction and feel valued. With fair pay, recognition, and a supportive environment, happiness at work is within reach.