Britain ’s vocational workers ¹– particularly hairdressers - are far more likely than their white-collar ² counterparts to go to work with a smile on their face and a spring in their step.

According to the City & Guilds Happiness Index, which is compiled annually to track the satisfaction of the country’s workforce, almost a fifth (18 per cent) of vocational workers are extremely happy ³ with their jobs, giving their careers ten out of ten on the happiness scale, compared to 10 per cent of white-collar workers. And of those who have taken a vocational path, 81 per cent say they have absolutely no regrets – an increase of 10 per cent compared to 2004 figures.

A sympathetic ear and a skilful way with a pair of scissors are the tools of the trade for those who are truly content at work. Hairdressers top the happiness league with 40 per cent claiming to be extremely happy in their job. While head and shoulders above the rest, hot on their heels are other happy vocational contenders with chefs, beauticians and plumbers in third, fourth and fifth place respectively.

For those workers who take the academic route, dog collars rather than white collars, bring the most satisfaction - almost a quarter of clergy (24 per cent) are very happy with their jobs.

However, not everyone is whistling while they work. Bottom of the league table are civil servants (three per cent) and architects (two per cent).

The Happiness Index is hard and fast proof that a vocational career can be highly satisfying and rewarding claims Chris Humphries, director general of City & Guilds: ‘Nowadays true job satisfaction and happiness is about fulfilling your full potential, tapping into your own creativity and feeling that you can make a difference. More people than ever are swapping their desk-bound jobs for a vocation that enables them to be hands-on, use their brains and be in charge of their own destiny. As we spend so much time at work, it’s important that we enjoy what we do and build on the skills that we’re good at.’

The 2005 Happiness Index also reveals a new trend for parity of pay satisfaction between vocational and white-collar workers. Over half (52 per cent) of the latter think they are adequately rewarded financially, compared to the 51 per cent of tradespeople who are happy with the wage they receive - a three per cent increase from 2004.

Humphries is ‘delighted to see that vocational workers are as happy with their pay as their white collar counterparts, which demonstrates you can have a job that you love and be paid well for it.’

As well as a healthy pay packet, vocational workers have got a lot to be happy about – 70 per cent of them feel appreciated at work, compared to 63 per cent of white-collar workers. Fulfilling their ambition is a major bonus for more than half (55 per cent) of tradespeople. They also like feeling respected (62 per cent) and learning new things (58 per cent). Camaraderie is also higher, with almost half of vocational workers (49 per cent) reporting that they have a good social life at work, compared to 40 per cent of white-collar workers.

Overall though, Britain’s workers are a pretty happy bunch and are more content than they were a year ago – 77 per cent of both vocational and white-collar workers find their jobs rewarding, compared to 74 per cent (vocational) and 68 per cent (white collar) in 2004.

Ends

Methodology: The research was undertaken by The Survey Shop in February 2005 and is based on a sample of 1,249 employees – 632 in academic professions and 617 in vocational occupations.

Vocational workers include skilled practitioners and craftsmen and craftswomen such as beauticians, builders, butchers, care assistants, chefs, DJs, electricians, florists, fitness instructors, hairdressers, interior designers, mechanics, plumbers, secretaries and travel agents.

1. White collar workers include accountants, architects, bankers, chartered engineers, civil engineers, estate agents, health care professionals, IT professionals, lawyers, media, ministers, pharmacists, scientists, social workers and teachers.
2. Extremely happy constitutes those who rated their level of happiness as 10 out of 10. Respondents were asked to grade their level of happiness on a scale of 1-10 with 1 being very unhappy and 10 being very happy

City & Guilds (http://www.city-and-guilds.co.uk/) is the UK ’s leading awarding body for work-related qualifications. In total the organisation awards 1.2 million certificates to learners each year on over 500 subjects ranging from hair and beauty to catering and management.

City & Guilds’ Happiness Index – Happiest Workers

How to be happy in the workplace

• Start off by being positive
• Remember that every problem can be solved
• Enrich your working environment with photos and flowers
• Have a laugh
• Start the day with a natter or gossip