Good salary tops league table of career priorities among UK workers

Earning a good salary has become the most important aspect of working life, as new survey findings reveal the top ten career priorities of professional workers in Britain.

According to the research, conducted by CV-Library, 58.1 per cent of professionals ranked their pay ambitions as their highest priority at work.

Friendly colleagues followed closely at 48.2 per cent, with company culture and learning opportunities failing to have as much influence.

The emphasis on pay packets represents a shift in outlook among workers in the past two years. When CV-Library undertook the same survey in February 2016, aspects of job role were considered most central to workplace happiness.

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Top ten career priorities in Britain

1. A good salary 58.1 per cent
2. Friendly colleagues 48.2 per cent
3. Great company culture 40 per cent
4. Room for progression 33.5 per cent
5. Learning new skills 28.2 per cent
6. A nice boss 22.4 per cent
7. Flexible working opportunities 13.3 per cent
8. Good location close to home 11.5 per cent
9. Interesting daily responsibilities 10.9 per cent
10. Good workplace perks 10.4 per cent

When separated by gender, almost two-thirds of men ranked their pay packet as the most important career priority. On the other hand, female ranked friendly colleagues slightly ahead of salary as the driver of workplace happiness.

Commenting on the findings, CV-Library founder Lee Biggins urged employers to listen to the career priorities of workers.

candidates are storming the job market like never before and it’s clear that many are searching for roles with a strict set of criteria in mind. As such, it’s important that businesses are offering the full package.

He added: But this doesnt just mean fair salaries and workplace perks. A great company culture and a friendly workforce should also be a priority.

Reflecting on the shifting priorities of workers, Biggins suggested the emphasis on income over culture and responsibilities reflected uncertain economic conditions.

it’s interesting to see this shift in career priorities, with professionals no longer placing as much importance on the role itself. it’s definitely important to enjoy what you do and this should always be a priority when moving jobs. That said the move is not surprising given ongoing economic uncertainty, as today’s professionals seek financial stability.