A new study by Adobe Express has identified the happiest industries and cities for workers in the UK, revealing that 36% of people are currently in their dream jobs. At the same time, 28% of workers say they would leave their current role within the next year if a better opportunity came along. The research is based on a nationwide survey of UK employees and offers insight into the professional environments that contribute to job fulfilment and satisfaction. With around 34 million people aged over 16 currently employed, the findings shed light on what makes a workplace truly thrive.
Overall, 68% of UK workers report feeling fulfilled in their jobs. But 4% say they are not fulfilled, and 28% are open to new career opportunities. Age appears to be a strong factor. Among younger workers aged 18 to 24, half believe they are already in their dream roles. This figure drops to 11% among those aged 45 to 54, and just 7% among those aged 55 to 64. Workers aged 35 to 44 appear to be the most content overall, with 19% describing themselves as extremely fulfilled. In contrast, 17% of those aged 45 to 54 say they feel only slightly fulfilled.
Workplace support plays an important role in career satisfaction. The study shows that 34% of workers cite perks and benefits as motivating factors, while 28% value flexible working arrangements for maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life. In addition, 21% say their employers equip them with innovative tools such as artificial intelligence, which they believe enhances productivity and job satisfaction.
The study also highlights which industries have the highest and lowest proportions of workers in their dream roles. Information Technology ranks first, with 59% of respondents in this field saying they have found their ideal job. Business Consulting and Management, Engineering and Manufacturing, and Property and Construction follow closely behind, each with 54%. By contrast, Media and Internet reports the highest proportion of workers still seeking their ideal role at 60%, followed by Recruitment and HR at 50%, and Public Services and Administration at 38%.
Marketing, Advertising, and PR has the highest proportion of workers planning to switch jobs within the next year, with 29% expressing a desire to move. Science and Pharmaceuticals and Law Enforcement and Security report the highest level of extreme fulfilment, each with 33% of workers stating they feel extremely satisfied in their current roles.
When it comes to the availability of workplace support, 43% of employees in Marketing, Advertising, and PR say they feel empowered by innovative tools like AI. In Business Consulting and Management, 59% of workers say that perks and benefits enhance their work experience. Meanwhile, 40% of Media and Internet professionals say that additional support would help them pursue their career goals more effectively.
City-by-city comparisons reveal key differences in job satisfaction across the UK. Manchester leads, with 46% of its workforce saying they are in their dream roles. In contrast, only 33% of workers in Edinburgh say the same. Birmingham stands out with 43% of workers saying they have not yet found their ideal role, while 13% of employees in London are undecided about their dream career path. In Sheffield, 32% say they are planning to leave their current jobs within a year. In Belfast, 40% report being supported by innovative tools in their workplace. Glasgow records the highest proportion of workers who feel extremely fulfilled, with 43%, while only 10% of workers in Bristol report the same level of satisfaction.
The study also reveals what motivates workers to consider a career move. In Belfast, 80% of employees say they would switch roles for a significant salary increase. Additionally, 60% are seeking work that feels more meaningful to them. In Edinburgh, 29% say they lack the resources needed to pursue their dream careers.
To support individuals in finding their ideal roles, Adobe Express recommends that workers identify their personal interests, skills, and values to guide their job search. They also encourage jobseekers to refresh their CVs, tailor applications to specific positions, and prepare thoroughly for interviews. For additional help, the Adobe Express blog provides tools and advice on CVs, cover letters, and digital portfolios.
