The UK Workforce Is Down In The Dumps
As the Government explores the nation’s happiness and wellbeing, it is today revealed that 94 per cent of British workers are not happy in their jobs. The survey conducted by national training provider, Lifetime, highlighted that a staggering 48 per cent of adults regularly feel unhappy during the working week, with 17 per cent feeling depressed every single day.
Of the 3,000 adults questioned, a mere six per cent feel completely content with their jobs. Furthermore, two thirds say it simply ‘pays the bills’ and provides little joy in their life.
As we head into the cold winter months our negative feelings towards work are set to worsen. According to the poll, October to December has been named as the time of year when we feel most depressed at work. On top of many Brits’ Christmas lists this year will undoubtedly have been a career change, with 61 per cent wishing for a magic wand to begin the New Year in a new career.
Nigel Wallace, Director of Training at Lifetime, comments: “We spend the majority of our adult lives in the workplace so it is crucial for our state of mind, health and wellbeing that we associate positive emotion with our job and career. With happiness being closely linked to employee performance it is worrying that such a large percentage of the British population is so unhappy at work.
There is hope. Certain industries have the potential to inspire feelings of happiness through offering a much healthier work / life balance with flexible hours and great career prospects. For example, the active leisure industry provides an energetic working environment all year round, particularly during the named ‘depressive months’. With an influx in gym memberships prior to the festive period, fitness professionals enjoy greater job satisfaction from helping many clients achieve their Christmas and New Year exercise and fitness goals.”
The research also revealed that twice the amount of office workers are unhappy compared to peers who spend their working day active and on their feet, suggesting that the key to happiness could lie in an active work environment.
Despite the nation’s unhappiness, a cautious 70 per cent said that whilst unemployment rates are high, they would be hesitant to make a career change. Wallace confirms: “It takes courage to leave the comfort of a job particularly during this tough economic climate. However, the fitness industry has continued to grow during the recession while other industries have diminished and is therefore an increasingly good option for those looking for a career change. With the broad range of re-training options available, it is not necessary for people to leave their current role in order to begin the retraining process.”
For many, a change in their career path can restore a positive attitude to work. The trend in office anxiety is growing more and more each year and these figures highlight the need for workers to take more of an active role in finding their dream career.
“Training courses that comprise both theoretical and practical elements delivered through distant and classroom-based learning ensure the flexibility needed to gain new qualifications while still achieving regular income; a common concern for many looking to make the move” concludes Wallace.
Lifetime offer personal training courses right across the UK for all ability levels.
