Secretarial Jobs Survey Reveals Elements Of Employee Satisfaction

Geoff Sims, managing director of Hays Secretarial, says: “Though it is thought that employees are most likely to be persuaded to move for a higher salary, a new challenge or more interesting work and more responsibility were stated as very important factors”. So in a highly competitive market, it would be a wise employer who listens to what employees are seeking.

Staff want a minimum of 25 days’ holiday and the provision of a pension is also highly rated. Personal car-lease schemes and a car allowance, however, are less likely to influence applicants in their decision to accept a job. Opinions were divided on crèche facilities and childcare vouchers: inevitably, people become more interested when children arrive on the scene.

Job satisfaction

More than half the respondents said that they were “highly satisfied” or “satisfied” with their current role, and with willingness to recommend an employer a good indicator of satisfaction, more than three quarters said that they would recommend their current employer to a friend.

Work-life balance

Fifty-eight per cent of respondents worked overtime, and most were happy to do so. The majority were satisfied with the time that they have to spend with family and friends. Fifty-seven per cent have an element of flexibility in their working pattern — ranging from complete flexibility with working times and locations to slight adjustments to start and finish times (which might explain why so many are content with their jobs).