Flexible hours, strong values and wellbeing top UK ‘dream job’ wish list

The modern-day dream job would include a short commute, your birthday off, colleagues that you get along with – and the chance to help others. 

A poll of 2,000 workers found health plans (46 per cent), mental health days (29 per cent) and gym memberships (27 per cent) also feature among the most sought-after perks in today’s job market. 

When considering a new role, 33 per cent also want a career that aligns with their values, while 30 per cent prioritise human connection in the workplace. 

But almost a third (32 per cent) of females want to work in a role with development opportunities, while 32 per cent value human connection and 27 per cent want a futureproof career. 

While 46 per cent of today’s workforce are the first in their family to move into a completely different career from their parent, more than a fifth (22 per cent) said it was due to better access to online information. 

It also revealed over half (51 per cent) of women would consider a lower salary for a job which offered a strong sense of purpose, and nearly eight in 10 (79 per cent) are also looking for a job where they will make a positive difference. 

Amanda Harrison, Group Director of Talent at British Gas, which commissioned the research to mark International Women in Engineering Day and is committed to 50 per cent of their apprentices being female, said: “This research really underlines what we're seeing first-hand – women want purposeful work where they can make a genuine difference, and engineering contributes to that. But we can't just hope more women choose the profession - as one of the UK's largest employers of engineers, we have a responsibility to actively make that happen. 

“We’re working towards an ambitious goal, but it's achievable if we're intentional about it. That means building a strong pipeline and making sure there are visible, positive role models to inspire the next generation. Engineering needs diverse talent to solve the challenges ahead, and we need to build a pipeline of women who see themselves in this industry from the start.” 

The research also found 25 per cent of all those polled said the opportunity to use hands-on, practical skills is one of the most appealing aspects of a role today. 

 A further quarter of employed adults polled via OnePoll have been inspired to consider a career change after seeing someone else make the move on social media. 

Of these, 57 per cent of women were influenced because those making changes appeared more fulfilled and 40 per cent thought online platforms made career changes look more achievable.  

In fact, 48 per cent of all respondents added social media has made it easier to discover careers they didn’t even know existed. 

It also emerged 38 per cent of workers believe it is now more acceptable to change careers than in the past, with 51 per cent agreeing people should feel free to pursue any job regardless of gender. 

However, 32 per cent recognised there is still work to be done to challenge stereotypes around ‘men’s’ and ‘women’s’ jobs, with 57 per cent keen to see people like themselves represented in a role before pursuing it. 

Heidi Aylen, Technical Repair Engineer at British Gas, which has been named in The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, added: “I came into engineering through the apprenticeship programme, and what struck me most was how balanced and supported everything felt. My training group was 50/50 men and women, our mentors were mixed, and I never once felt like being a woman was a barrier to succeeding.  

“If you're considering engineering but worried it's ‘not for people like me’ – that's exactly why you should do it. Whether you're just starting out or making a career change, apprenticeships genuinely open doors. And the work itself is really rewarding - you're solving real problems and knowing you've made a genuine impact.” 

To find out more about careers at Centrica, visit: www.lifeatcentrica.com 

TOP 20 THINGS PEOPLE ASSOCIATE WITH THEIR DREAM JOB 

1. Flexible working hours 

2. Job security 

3. Colleagues that you get along with 

4. A short commute 

5. Enhanced pension contributions 

6. Private medical insurance 

7. Bonuses/commission structure 

8. Progression and career development opportunities 

9. Opportunities to travel 

10. Having my birthday off (paid) 

11. Company car / car allowance 

12. Mental health support (e.g. counselling, wellbeing days) 

13. Modern office facilities 

14. Free gym membership 

15. Childcare support 

16. Enhanced maternity / paternity leave 

17. Social events 

18. Paid volunteering days 

19. Pet-friendly workplace 

20. Cycle-to-work scheme