Readers rank job satisfaction over salary, C+D poll finds
Readers named feeling valued and having a work-life balance as the most important factors in their choice of job
EXCLUSIVE
Nearly two thirds of readers name job satisfaction as the factor they value most in an employer, a C+D survey has revealed.
Sixty-five per cent of 127 respondents to the poll (see below), which ran on the C+D website from September 10-17, said satisfaction at work – including “feeling valued and a work-life balance” – is the most important factor for them.
Only 18% rated “pay and benefits” as the quality they focus on when seeking employment.
C+D ran the poll alongside its Best Places to Work in Community Pharmacy 2015 initiative, for which it teamed up with independent analyst Best Companies Group to analyse employer policies and benefits, and survey employees on their experiences.
Across the five employers that made it into the C+D Best Places to Work 2015, an average of 77% of employees said they were satisfied with their role. In contrast, only 45% felt their pay was fair for the work they perform.
"Unsurprising" results
Readers who spoke to C+D stressed that pay was not the most important consideration. Kent contractor Amish Patel said that a work-life balance is “most important”, while pharmacy manager Amanda Smith said there is “no point having lots of money but being miserable”.
Practice pharmacist James Andrews revealed he has “passed on three promotions as [it] would take away time with my family”.
Contractor Graham Phillips said the results are “unsurprising”. Pharmacists are health professionals and “altruism is a huge motivating factor”, he said.
Community pharmacist Stephen Eggleston said salaries become “less of a driver” as pharmacists continue with their career.
“Pharmacy needs all sorts of people. If everyone was simply motivated by money, there would be little innovation. Equally, if everyone was looking just for job satisfaction, some of the ‘worker-bee’ jobs would probably remain unfilled,” he added.
All five companies included in the C+D Best Places to Work 2015 met the independent benchmark of excellence set by Best Companies Group, which has been used in various sectors including law and insurance.
Read more about the five companies that made it into the C+D Best Places to Work 2015
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Which of the following factors is most important to you in an employer? 65% Job satisfaction, including feeling valued and work-life balance 18% Pay and benefits 6% Good culture and communication 5% Training and development opportunities 3% Your relationship with your line manager 2% Strong leadership and planning 1% Your working environment, such as privacy and safety |
What factors contribute most to your job satisfaction?
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