The happiest industries in the UK.

Summary/Overview

Career satisfaction has become a top priority in the UK, with many employees now placing greater value on purpose, fulfilment, and overall wellbeing in the workplace.

Key takeaways:

• Only 36% of Brits say that they’re currently in their dream roles, while a significant 64% are still searching for the right fit.
• Most people (68%) feel only partially fulfilled at work, and 18% admit to feeling completely unfulfilled.
• 28% would jump ship within the next twelve months if a better opportunity arose, with 46% searching for better work-life balance.

So, what drives career fulfilment? And do some industries have happier workforces than others? Let’s take a closer look.

What support at work currently helps with job fulfilment?

When it comes to employee fulfilment in the workplace, a variety of factors come into play.

According to our survey, 34% of respondents said that generous perks positively contribute to their sense of fulfilment, with 28% emphasising the importance of flexible working arrangements.

21% appreciate access to new tools and technologies like AI, which help them work more efficiently and develop their skills. If you’re in the creative sector, our latest AI advancements offer a variety of ways to enhance your workflow. With everything from text-to-image AI art generators to background removal tools, there are a variety of features to explore.

It’s not only new technologies that contribute to job fulfilment however, with a further 19% stating that transparency (including regular salary reviews) is crucial.

Despite these factors, 16% feel their employer offers no support for their job satisfaction whatsoever.

What factors might influence your decision to leave your current role to pursue your dream career?

When it comes to factors that might influence an employee to switch roles, 58% mentioned the importance of a significant salary increase. However, pay isn’t the only thing on people’s minds, with 46% mentioning better work-life balance too.

For 27% of participants, perks such as additional holidays and work from anywhere schemes top the ranking, with 18% mentioning opportunities for learning and development.

Pursuing more meaningful work is a top priority for many, with 26% revealing that they’re chasing a career that makes a difference. 20% also said they’d consider moving for a better company culture, with the opportunity for travel enticing 17%.

What's stopping you from making the switch to your dream career?

Making the switch to your dream career isn’t always straightforward, and for many, multiple obstacles stand in the way. According to our survey, the most common barrier is age, with 34% believing they’re too old to make a significant career change. 23% feel they lack the necessary experience, with a further 20% admitting they lack confidence.

18% pointed to financial concerns, while 17% feel as though they lack the guidance or resources to make the transition. A smaller yet notable number of participants (12%) highlighted educational barriers, with 11% mentioning childcare barriers.

Are workers in different industries in their dream roles?

Job satisfaction varies across industries, so let’s reveal the sectors that excel when it comes to the happiest workers.

The Information Technology industry takes the top spot, with 59% of workers revealing that they’re currently in their dream roles. Next up we have Business Consulting and Engineering, Manufacturing, and Property and Construction (all 54%). Workers are fulfilled in the Creative Arts and Design industry too, with 53% happily working their dream jobs.

Further down the ranking we have sectors like Recruitment and HR, where 50% of workers are not in their dream roles, as well as Public Services and Administration (38%). 29% of people in Marketing, Advertising, and PR said they’d leave their role if a new opportunity arose, suggesting a degree of dissatisfaction there too.

When it comes to factors that influence fulfilment, 43% of those in Marketing, Advertising, and PR mentioned the importance of innovative tools, with industries like Law favouring flexible working arrangements (33%) and salary transparency (27%). 59% of those in Business, Consulting and Management favour perks and benefits, while 40% of those in the Media industry feel a complete lack of support.

How does career fulfilment vary by city?

Career fulfilment doesn’t just vary by industry; it also looks different across the UK’s major cities. So, let’s dive into the locations where workers feel the most aligned with their career goals.

Glasgow and Manchester lead the way with the highest percentages of people currently in their dream jobs (51% and 46%). In contrast, Edinburgh sits closer to the bottom of our ranking, with just 28% of workers expressing fulfilment.

43% of those in Birmingham said they don’t currently have a dream role, with 13% of those in London admitting they’re unsure of what their ideal career looks like. Sheffield shows the highest level of potential turnover, with nearly a third of workers admitting they’d jump at a better work opportunity (compared to just 5% of those in Nottingham).

Belfast stands out in several ways too: 40% of workers feel supported by innovative AI (the highest across all cities) yet a huge 80% would consider leaving their role for a significant salary increase. Notably, 60% of respondents are also seeking more meaningful work, indicating a desire for purpose as well as pay.

Top tips on finding and landing your dream role.

With 64% of Brits still searching for their ideal roles, it’s clear that career fulfilment doesn’t come easy. So, here are a few top tips you can implement to improve your chances of landing your dream job:

1. Clearly define your goals: Your first step should involve identifying your interests, skills, and values. What kind of work makes you feel the most fulfilled? And is there anything currently stopping you from making the switch to your dream career? Understanding key factors like this will help give you direction and narrow your search.
2. Refine your CV: Whether you’re applying for a role in a familiar field or looking to break into a new industry, it’s wise to give your CV a refresh before sending it to potential employers. Make sure it clearly highlights your experience, emphasising your unique skills as an employee. If you’re looking for some extra guidance, our CV templates are designed to help you stand out in a large pool of applicants.
3. Tailor every application: No matter the industry, it’s important to tailor your application to the specific role you’re applying for. Make sure to showcase your passion for the position, detailing how your skills align with their unique needs.
4. Get interview-ready: Preparation is key when it comes to interviews, so make sure you’ve researched the company’s mission as well as any recent industry developments. If you’ve been asked to present a task, our presentation maker is ideal when it comes to showcasing your skills.
5. Stay flexible and persistent: Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, you’ll need to stay persistent in the pursuit of your dream career. Finding the right opportunity can take time, so don’t let setbacks derail you. Commit to learning and adapting your approach as you go.

There you have it: our insights on the happiest industries in the UK as well as how to find and land a fulfilling role. And remember, even if you’re yet to land your dream job, your current role can still be a valuable stepping stone. Use it to build experience, expand your network, and develop transferable skills that you’ll be able to carry forward with you.

Looking for more inspiration, tools, and creative career advice? Just head over to the Adobe Express blog. There you’ll find a variety of insights that will help you thrive in your professional journey.

Methodology:

The Happiest Industries campaign is the result of a comprehensive national survey conducted by TLF on behalf of Adobe Express. The survey polled 1,000 UK adults between 24.04.2025 and 01.05.2025.

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