From working from home to watching your kid’s sports day, here are 40 signs you’re in a fulfilling career

Poll finds employees value their opinion being appreciated and allocating their own workloads

Twenty-three per cent of respondents say they would take a pay cut for other work related benefits (Shutterstock/Dima Sidelnikov)

Being able to work from home, no-one batting an eyelid when you take an afternoon off to watch your kids sports day - and having a beer with colleagues after work, have emerged among a list of signs you've 'made it' in your career.

Researchers who polled 1,700 workers also found having your opinion valued, being invited to meetings and enjoying the occasional business trip abroad are key indicators you're doing well.

Being allowed to manage your own workload, having regular reviews and being asked for advice by colleagues also made the list.

Being left in charge when the boss is away, controlling a budget and being sent on management training also mean you have a bright future ahead.

The study was commissioned by Jardine Motors Group, a multi-national operator of franchised motorcar dealerships, to help understand the desires of today’s workforce.

Clare Martin, Group HR Director for Jardine Motors Group said: “Today’s job seekers are basing their search criteria on so much more than just salary.

''And so it’s vital that businesses are giving employees and future colleagues fulfilment in their career beyond just climbing the career ladder.

''This research shows career progression and feeling content and a success, is about so much more.

''It’s about access to opportunities, feeling empowered and challenged, as well as having a flexible working environment.

“As we head into the prime season when many of us consider our careers and what may lie in the year ahead, this research shows the considerations that go into making a happy job are varied and highlights businesses have to be much more diverse in how they support and nurture colleagues.”

However, the study also revealed some perks are worth their weight in gold – with paid sick days, regular bonuses and private healthcare featuring highly on the list.

And while 29 per cent of adults do want a big salary, they also appreciate working in a fun environment with good training opportunities.

Other indicators of a rewarding job include being able to take the day off without having to book it off in advance, having everyone at work know who you are and being aware of the company’s strategic direction.

Just over half of respondents said they are currently working in a fulfilling career, and one fifth would not consider leaving their role for another with more money or better perks.

However, 23 per cent would take a cut in salary for a job which had other benefits, such as working shorter hours, flexible working or more holiday – with one third of those polled saying an accommodating workplace is a sign of an employer 'who cares'.

Clare Martin added: “At Jardine Motors Group we’re on a mission to increase diversification in our business to further enhance our customer service experience.

''To bring in the right people we want the right balance of background, skills sets and passion, we have created careers with a healthy work life balance.

''And we’re setting new employment standards in the motor retail industry with flexible working, flexitime, part-time working and continuous learning to make sure that everyone at Jardine Motors Group feels confident and can progress in their roles.

''So my message to job seekers would be; don’t be afraid to look at new sectors where your skills are transferrable as you may find a rich and rewarding career in a new industry.”

Signs you’re in a fulfilling career

1. Looking forward to work
2. People value your opinions
3. Flexible hours
4. Good friends in the workplace
5. Big salary
6. Fun working environment
7. Managing your own work load
8. Good training opportunities
9. Paid sick days
10. Not watching the clock
11. Getting good reviews/appraisals on performance
12. People come to you for advice
13. Incentives for good performance
14. Regular bonuses
15. People ask for your opinion on big decisions
16. Flexibility towards family commitments
17. Regular promotions
18. Working from home
19. Being left in charge
20. Everyone knows your name
21. Hitting targets
22. Socialising with work colleagues
23. Managing a team
24. Knowing about the company's plans/strategic direction
25. Being asked to represent your company at events
26. Being sent on management training courses
27. Taking a day off without having to book it off in advance
28. Private healthcare
29. Paid trips abroad
30. Shares in the business
31. Coming into the office later than usual and nobody bats an eyelid
32. A company car
33. Nobody wants you to go on holiday/take days off
34. Invites to meetings
35. Controlling a budget
36. Travelling in Business class/First class
37. A company phone
38. In touch with the CEO/MD on a regular basis
39. Being invited to Management Conferences
40. Being allowed to put most things on expenses

SWNS