Last updated: 25 Mar 2024 12:00 Posted in:
People employed in accounting and finance are the happiest workers in the UK, according to the Futures Group’s latest Career Happiness Index.
The index, based on data around culture, diversity, work/life balance, senior leadership, compensation and career development, offers a comprehensive perspective on career satisfaction across various industries.
Based on analysis of data from the UK’s top 100 brands by turnover, accounting and finance led the way, along with healthcare, each boasting an index score of 72. This represents a high level of satisfaction within these industries.
Legal follows closely with a score of 71, showcasing contentment among professionals. All three industries seem to have a higher level of diversity and career development.
Rob Jones, Director at TCP Group, an accountancy firm based in the East Midlands, commented: “There has been a shift to the out-of-date ‘norm’ over the last five years or so in accountancy, in relation to the stereotype that the position is boring or nerdy. The fundamentals of accountancy have not changed dramatically, in that it still requires skill, intelligence and hard work, however I feel the relationship between accountants and clients has become closer, and as a result, more sociable.
“You could argue that the stereotype accountant is socially awkward, just sits behind a desk and crunches numbers, however in recent years we are seeing a change in personnel in the industry that is more outgoing, a more valued business partner and dare I say it, cool.”
Amanda Payne, Director of Operations at The Futures Group, said of the Career Happiness Index: “I firmly believe that true success in a career is not necessarily about achieving professional milestones but finding genuine happiness in the work we do.
“The scores paint a vivid picture of perceived career happiness across diverse sectors. These figures provide valuable insights into the diverse landscape of professional contentment, allowing individuals to gauge their own career happiness against industry benchmarks.”
FIND OUT MORE“You could argue that the stereotype accountant is socially awkward, just sits behind a desk and crunches numbers, however in recent years we are seeing a change in personnel in the industry that is more outgoing, a more valued business partner and dare I say it, cool.”
Rob Jones, Director, TCP Group