Just 26 percent of UK workers say they feel “very fulfilled” in their current role, according to new research that also warns employers to take seasonal affective disorder (SAD) more seriously as autumn and winter begin.
The study, by software firm Adobe Express, found that more than one in four employees (28 percent) would leave their current position within the next 12 months if a new opportunity arose, while 14 percent admitted they are not fulfilled in their jobs. A further 16 percent said they do not feel supported at all by their employer.
Experts have cautioned that this lack of engagement could worsen during the darker months when SAD affects one in 20 people, with a milder “winter blues” impacting as many as one in three. Employers are being urged to provide additional support to avoid dips in wellbeing and performance.
IT Staff Most Content, Media Least
The survey revealed sharp differences across industries. Information Technology was the sector with the highest proportion of workers in their dream role, at 59 percent, followed by business consulting and management, engineering and manufacturing, and property and construction, all on 54 percent.
By contrast, 60 percent of media and internet employees reported they were still searching for their dream role. Recruitment and HR (50 percent) and public services and administration (38 percent) were also sectors where large numbers of staff remain unfulfilled.
Marketing, advertising and PR employees were the most likely to be considering a move, with 29 percent saying they expected to switch jobs within a year. However, the same group reported high levels of support from new tools, with 43 percent crediting artificial intelligence for helping them in their work.
In business consulting and management, 59 percent of staff felt supported by workplace perks and benefits, while 40 percent of media workers said further support would be needed to help them achieve their career goals.
Regional Variations
The findings also revealed striking geographical differences. Manchester had the happiest workforce, with 46 percent of employees saying they were in their dream role. At the other end of the scale, only 33 percent of Edinburgh staff said the same.
Workers in Glasgow reported the highest levels of fulfilment, with 43 percent describing themselves as extremely satisfied, compared to just 10 percent in Bristol, where staff were the most unfulfilled.
Other cities reported varying reasons for dissatisfaction. In Sheffield, almost a third of workers (32 percent) said they would leave their job in the coming year if given the chance. In Belfast, 80 percent would move roles for a significant salary increase, and 60 percent wanted more meaningful work.
Support During SAD Season
Adobe Express has issued advice for employers to help staff during SAD season, which begins as daylight hours shorten. Recommendations include scheduling short one-to-one check-ins, offering daylight-friendly flexible working hours, and encouraging breaks away from screens.
The company also advised organisations to share mental health resources, signpost SAD-related guidance, and ensure staff have access to well-lit workspaces or light therapy lamps.
With just a quarter of workers feeling fulfilled and a significant proportion ready to leave their jobs, the findings suggest that targeted wellbeing support, particularly during autumn and winter, could play a critical role in improving morale and retention.