More than half of the workforce perceive their worth to companies excessively high
In a recent survey conducted by HR consultancy Reabur, various trends regarding job satisfaction, active job seeking, and perceived underpayment in the UK workforce have been revealed. The survey did not specify the geographical locations of the participants, industries or sectors of their employment, or the demographic characteristics of the surveyed UK adults.
### Job Satisfaction in the UK Workforce
Overall job satisfaction among UK shift workers declined by nearly 4 percentage points year-on-year, falling to 72.21% in 2025, down from 76.0% in 2024. This general softening of morale nationwide was indicated by a Net Happiness Score dropping to 65.43%. Healthcare workers, facing high levels of stress and burnout, were among the most unhappy groups. Conversely, sectors like retail, hospitality, and services reported higher job satisfaction, attributed to investments in team culture, predictable scheduling, and operational clarity.
The Global Talent Barometer reports a UK worker satisfaction level of 71% in 2025, highlighting a slight decline despite improved wellbeing and confidence among workers overall.
### Active Job Seeking and Worker Confidence
Nearly 18% of UK workers dread going to work each day, with Millennial women showing the sharpest decline in satisfaction. A significant portion of workers are concerned about job security and skill obsolescence, with 41% fearing replacement by automation, and 34% worrying their skills are outdated. However, only 47% have engaged in recent training, indicating a preparedness gap.
Return-to-office mandates have affected worker sentiment, with 66% required to be back part-time in offices and 8% saying such policies could force them to leave their roles. Additionally, 58% of workers would refuse full return-to-office mandates, evidencing a strong preference for flexible work arrangements.
### Perceived Underpayment and Regional Differences
While detailed statistics on perceived underpayment by region were not explicitly available, general dissatisfaction and stress levels suggest that perceived compensation concerns may be intertwined with job satisfaction trends, particularly in high-stress sectors like healthcare. Remote working trends show geographic variability, with 40% of UK workers working remotely at least some of the time. Those who have access to remote or hybrid work models report higher satisfaction and improved work-life balance.
### Summary Table
| Aspect | Key Statistics 2025 | Notes | |-----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | Job Satisfaction | 72.21% among shift workers; 71% overall (Global Barometer) | Healthcare workers notably less satisfied | | Active Job Seeking | 18% dread work; Millennials notably dissatisfied | Return-to-office policies impact retention | | Skill/Job Security | 41% fear automation replacement; 34% worry skills outdated | Less than half trained recently | | Work Arrangement | 40% remote/hybrid workers; 58% oppose full RTO mandates | Remote work linked to higher satisfaction | | Employment Rate | 75.1% employment rate in April 2025 | Overall stable labor market |
These trends show a UK workforce increasingly concerned with job security, work-life balance, and meaningful engagement, with regional and sectoral differences driven largely by industry stress levels and remote work accessibility. Efforts by employers to improve emotional wellbeing, operational clarity, and flexibility appear crucial to improving satisfaction and retention in 2025.
Dave Snow, academic director at the Home Learning College, suggested that while keeping staff engaged doesn't necessarily require pay rises or promotions, developing employee skills could demonstrate investment in their future. However, the economy's turmoil and job losses have led to employees staying quiet about their job dissatisfaction.
- Moving forward, distance learning programs in the UK workforce might prove beneficial for addressing skill obsolescence and fostering workplace-wellness, as it offers flexibility and opportunities for continuous learning in the finance, business, science, health-and-wellness, and other sectors.
- As businesses strive to improve job satisfaction and retention, implementing science-based wellness initiatives aimed at reducing stress and promoting health could complement their existing strategies, considering the high levels of stress reported in sectors like healthcare.
- Given the decline in overall job satisfaction among UK adults, especially shift workers, and the concerns about underpayment and job security, it may be advantageous for career-focused individuals to consider diverse employment opportunities beyond the traditional workplace to ensure a more balanced and fulfilling work-life.
