What makes a happy work life?

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Getting on with colleagues and a good work life balance are the top things necessary for happiness at work, according to new research from Barclays.

A survey of 2,000 people by Barclays found 26% said getting on well with colleagues was most likely to make them happy in their job, compared to 24% who said a good work life balance.

The research also showed that after the atmosphere of a workplace, it is how valuable or important the work we do is that matters. One in five (20%) people felt that doing something they believe in makes them happy, while the same amount felt they were happy because what they did was useful.

Other factors cited include doing something useful and getting to use your brain [both 20%], a good atmosphere [17%], money [around 16%], flexible working [around 16%], getting appreciated [15%], doing something challenging [14%] and having a lot of responsibility [13%].

Kirstie Mackey, Head of LifeSkills created with Barclays, said: “It’s interesting to see that such a broad range of factors make people happy at work. It’s also telling that environmental factors are so important. This suggests that although the industry will always be an important consideration for young people in choosing a career, they need to be thinking in broader terms about the work environment that they think will suit them. It’s also vital that businesses recognise what it is that employees are looking for, so that they can create a happy, engaged workforce.”

*Barclays will be hosting a debate about how best to tackle youth unemployment on Wednesday, 15th April at the Royal Institute. The panel will be debating the proposition: ‘Do what you love is a dangerous modern myth’ including discussion around how careers advice in schools affects children’s career prospects.