In June 2023, Ciphr - a UK-based provider of integrated HR, payroll, learning and recruitment solutions - conducted an online survey of 1,000 employed UK adults. The survey aimed to understand the perceptions of what constitutes a meaningful and rewarding career among the workforce. The results provide fascinating insights into the types of professions that people in the UK find most fulfilling and valuable.
Surprisingly, the survey revealed a diverse range of responses, with nearly 220 different job titles cited as meaningful and rewarding. However, some professions consistently stood out as the most highly regarded across the board, suggesting that certain careers hold a special place in the hearts of the UK workforce.
Unsurprisingly, the top three positions on the list of most meaningful and rewarding careers in the UK were occupied by healthcare and education professionals. According to the survey, being a nurse, doctor, or teacher ranked highest, with 86% of the respondents providing qualitative explanations for their choices. These three vocations have long been revered for their contribution to society and their ability to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Nurses, often referred to as the "backbone of the health service," were commended for their unwavering support and comforting presence during challenging times. Respondents expressed gratitude for the invaluable care and comfort that nurses provide, acknowledging that their work goes beyond monetary compensation.
Doctors, known for their "life-changing skills," were praised for their capacity to improve lives daily. The survey participants recognised the significant impact of doctors in enhancing the well-being of individuals, highlighting the profession's altruistic aspect.
Teachers, too, received widespread acclaim for their dedication to shaping the lives of the next generation. Respondents commended educators for helping young people reach their full potential, emphasising the importance of their role in society.
Interestingly, it's noteworthy that very few respondents mentioned the wages of these caring professions, instead focusing on the non-monetary rewards of the work itself. This indicates that financial incentives aren't the primary motivators for individuals drawn to professions that revolve around helping others.
Furthermore, the survey highlighted that careers associated with caring - such as care workers and midwives - ranked highly on the list, despite not being renowned for high salaries. This reaffirms the idea that people in the UK value the intrinsic rewards and personal satisfaction that come with helping others.
The survey also unveiled the significance of roles in the IT sector, with IT professionals ranking seventh on the list. Given the growing reliance on technology in both personal and professional aspects of life, it's unsurprising that respondents consider this role as meaningful and rewarding. IT professionals play a crucial role in shaping the digital landscape, and their work has a direct impact on society, making their inclusion in the top ten entirely justified.
The top 20 jobs considered the most meaningful and rewarding in the UK, according to the Ciphr survey, are as follows:
- Nurse
- Doctor
- Teacher
- Medical professional
- Care worker
- Midwife
- IT professional
- Charity worker
- Support worker
- Social worker
- Police officer
- Working for the NHS
- Lawyer
- Vet
- Animal care worker
- Manager
- Working with animals
- Customer service manager
- Firefighter
- Education professional
- Paramedic
- Professional footballer
It's also interesting to observe the gender-based differences in the list. The survey revealed that certain professions ranked higher among women - such as midwife, support worker, social worker, charity worker and animal care worker. On the other hand, some roles - including IT professional, manager, police officer, working for the NHS and professional footballer - featured predominantly in the men's top 10. These differences in perception reflect the varied values and preferences of individuals in the workforce.
The Ciphr survey sheds light on the most meaningful and rewarding professions in the UK, with healthcare and education-related roles dominating the top spots. These results highlight the importance of intrinsic rewards and the desire to make a positive impact on society as key factors in people's career choices. It's evident that, for many in the UK, the true value of a profession lies not solely in monetary compensation but in the sense of fulfilment and contribution it offers to others and society as a whole.
