Engineering workers reveal changing career priorities

Published:  04 February, 2015

With research revealing that workers in the engineering industry rate work-life balance as more important than salary, recruitment specialist Reed is urging employers to give consideration to their recruitment and retention strategies.



The poll of over 1600 workers by YouGov, in association with the launch of the Reed 2015 Salary Guides, questioned Brits on their attitudes to work, career aspirations and regrets. It found almost a quarter (22%) of workers in the Engineering Industry claim a good work-life balance is the single most important aspect of working life, followed by salary and benefits (19%) and company culture (18%).


Results revealed – what matters most across the ages:

18-24 Salary and benefits (38%)


25-34 Job satisfaction (31%)


35-44 Work-life balance (31%)


45-54 Salary and benefits (25%)


55+ Job satisfaction and work-life

balance (joint top – 32%)

Career carousel
The poll also revealed that 82% of workers in the engineering sector are satisfied in their role. Nearly one in five (18%) will be looking for a new job in the next 12 months. 

While 17% of workers have stayed loyal to the same employer over the course of their career, 18% have moved workplaces seven or more times. When asked why they changed employer, workers reported better prospects for promotion (44%), a desire to move location (32%), and better salary (31%) as the top three motivators. 



Mark Blay, UK senior divisional manager at Reed Engineering, said: “In a candidate-led market such as this, employers need to think hard about how they attract and retain staff. What this research shows is that although salary is very important, now we’re out of the recession it’s no longer just about pay – employers need to consider many other factors, such as flexible working and how they can offer the greatest job satisfaction.

“Our research shows that in the last 12 months, 37% of engineering workers received some form of pay rise, and 38% have received a bonus. However, with 26% having received no benefits, the fact that 18% are planning to look for a new role over the next 12 months is hardly surprising. Employers need to start taking action and think wider than just the salary package.”



The Reed Engineering 2015 Salary & Market Insight report can be obtained by visiting: www.reedglobal.com/salaryguide