Marvin OnumonuFinding work-life balance topped the list for UK workers choosing jobs, research from Market Financial Solutions found.
The survey showed that 45% of adults picked work-life balance as one of their top three priorities when looking for a job.
A competitive salary came second at 43%, followed by job security at 38%.
Other factors included benefits and perks (19%), remote working (16%), positive impact on the world (13%), career progression (13%), company values and culture (11%), training opportunities (10%) and the future outlook for the sector or company (9%).
Younger workers were more likely to pick positive impact and remote working, with 22% of 18-34-year-olds wanting a job that makes a positive impact, compared to 10% of over-34s.
Remote working was a priority for 21% of younger workers, compared to 8% of over-55s.
Additionally, Market Financial Solutions focused on perceptions of working in financial services.
55% of those not working in the sector said they would not consider it, mainly due to stress and rigidity.
Paresh Raja, CEO at Market Financial Solutions, said: “As an employer, understanding the wants and needs of both current and prospective employees is really important, and this research provides really valuable insight in that regard.
“There are three factors that rank comfortably above the others when it comes to people’s priorities when assessing job options: work-life balance, salary and security.
“But the data highlights that there are many factors that matter to people in their career choices and, crucially, those factors will vary based on someone’s age and seniority.”
Raja added: “We can see that the purpose behind their jobs, as well as things like the ability to progress or be part of a growth industry, are all still important.
“It underlines that point that no organisation can fixate purely on competitive salaries; to attract and retain the best staff, a rounded view of what motivates and engages employees is more important than ever.”
