Well-educated women top care poll

Over one fifth of UK social care workers (22%) describe themselves as very fulfilled, but what does a very fulfilled social care professional look like?

As part of their research into Fulfilment@Work, Randstad analysed the characteristics and views of over 2,000 UK workers to better understand professional fulfilment and profile the UK’s most fulfilled staff.

The findings in the social care sector show that it is ambitious women who are getting the most from work. UK social workers who describe themselves as very fulfilled in their professional lives are most likely to be well-educated women. They are also likely to be confident, with a positive personality, with a strong sense of determination and the conviction to continue with something until it turns into a success.

Victoria Short, managing director of Randstad Care, said: “Although the debate about equal opportunities at work continues, it’s inspiring to see that women in the social care sector have come out strong in terms of fulfilment. Clearly, not all social care professionals in the UK can be a well-educated, confident, ambitious woman. But you don’t have to fit the typical profile of a very fulfilled social care worker in order to reach your full potential and feel more fulfilled in your career.

“Our research has shown that the majority of UK professionals who describe themselves as fulfilled feel the key to achieving it is firmly in their own hands. It’s up to us to determine how engaged we are in our day-to-day work. Naturally, employers play their part, but adaptability in employees is key as is the ability to be flexible in a range of different situations. Passion is an essential ingredient to a successful career and the desire to proactively make changes to increase our fulfilment.”   

The findings also showed how the profile of the average UK social care worker compares to their most fulfilled peers. A typical UK social worker is likely to earn £23,400 per year and feel moderately fulfilled. In contrast to those who say they are very fulfilled, the average UK social care professional says they are occasionally confident and are more likely to place importance on their employer’s role to helping them achieve their full potential.

Victoria Short continued: “It’s interesting to note that the most fulfilled social care workers have a lower than average salary. We know social care professionals aren’t motivated by pay, but the results also suggest that those with less managerial responsibility may get greater satisfaction from their work. Those in better paid positions and higher up the career ladder may be more exposed to pressures from local authorities, and struggling with their workloads as a result of spending cuts.