A third unhappy at work

Pg. 43

A Third of workers are dissatisfied with their jobs, partly because of heavy workloads and poor relationships with managers, says a new report.

A survey of almost 1,000 employees found that only two out of three were satisfied with their job and fewer than half were happy about their career progression.

Many of those polled complained about heavy workloads, rewards other than salary and their working environment.

The study, by disability insurer Unum, revealed that workers slightly happier about their pay levels but have become less satisfied with many other aspects of their job. The biggest drop in the level of employee satisfaction was in the amount of independence allowed.

Joanne Hindle, corporate services director of Unum, said the study revealed "worrying trends" about employee attitudes.

"Job satisfaction is not increasing and in many areas it is actually decreasing," she said.

"As there is much evidence to suggest happy workers are more productive, employers really need to take action to increase employee satisfaction where possible.

"However, raising salaries alone will not guarantee a more fulfilled and productive workforce.

"Benefits, work-life balance, an employee's sense of autonomy and company culture also have a vital role to play and need to be taken seriously by organisations that want to stay competitive."

Meanwhile, there's good news for workers wanting to escape Britain and start a new life on the other side of the world.

Australia is luring skilled British workers to emigrate down under with significant changes to its immigration policy.
The Australian Government has increased its immigration targets for skilled workers from 97,000 to 102,500 for the year, to fill gaps in the country's growing economy.

And as of next month, changes will be made to the points-based immigration system to allow English-speakers to fill this gap.

Chris Cook, spokesman for the Australian Visa Bureau, said: "The Australian Government realises it is lacking workers in many professions which it desperately needs to fill, so the country is throwing its doors open to huge numbers of skilled and experienced British people."