More than half (56%) of respondents based in the UK look for a competitive salary from their employer, compared to 46% of US respondents, according to research by Jobbio.
Its Happiness index report, which surveyed 2,000 UK employees and 2,000 US employees, also found that 47% of UK respondents state that flexible working is important to them, compared to 39% of US-based respondents.
The research also found:
- 53% of UK respondents think that praise and rewards make a good employer, compared to 44% of US respondents.
- 61% of UK-based respondents state that better work-life balance is a key component for a good employer, compared to 59% of respondents in the US.
- 41% of UK respondents believe that they will retire between the ages of 70 and 74 in 2050, while 36% of US-based respondents think they will retire under the age of 65.
- 41% of respondents in the UK feel their job will be obsolete in 10 years’ time due to the prevalence of technology. This is compared to 37% of American respondents.
- 23% of British respondents are always happy in their current job, compared to 32% of US respondents.
Stephen Quinn (pictured), chief executive officer at Jobbio, said: “Our Happiness index shows a clear disparity between the US and UK pool of talent. It seems illogical that US employees are so much happier than [the] UK workforce given they work longer hours and have shorter holidays. What is also intriguing is that even though US talent have less holiday, they use up less of their allowance too, [while] not being as concerned about their work-life balance when compared to UK talent. Perhaps the UK workforce is less happy than the US as they travel further to get to work and often commutes are disrupted by delays and overcrowding. Few people enjoy a January commute in cold weather when [the] train is delayed and [people cannot] get a seat.
“It’s interesting to learn how much we think the rise of technology will influence our careers in the future and by how much, as well as what it is that brings us down when at work. With so many Brits thinking they will retire later in life, it’s important to be in a job and [an organisation] that is enjoyable and fulfilling.”
