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A third of UK employees currently feel underappreciated at work, study finds

As such, one in five plan to search for a new job in the new year - with IT, energy and utilities, and public services and administration, among the most popular industries

[Getting a 'thank you' from a manager, or being praised for a job well done, are among the top little gestures that mean the most to employees]

Getting a 'thank you' from a manager, or being praised for a job well done, are among the top little gestures that mean the most to employees(Image: Stockbusters/Getty Images)

One in five employees are planning to change careers in the new year as a third admit they feel undervalued in their current job, a study has found.

Research of 2,000 UK workers revealed that 87% feel it is important that they know their worth in the workplace with over half (53%) valuing a good work-life balance, while a fifth look for quality leadership.

And of those looking for a change, to an industry where they can feel more valued, some of the top sectors they are likely to apply for include IT, energy and utilities, or public services and administration.

The study, carried out by British Gas, also uncovered the top 10 little gestures that go a long way for employees at work with a thank you from a manager topping the list. This was followed by a thank you from a customer or client, and a pat on the back for a job well done.

Meanwhile, others appreciate getting a cake or a card on their birthday, and being included in team events with 24% saying that being invited out for food or drinks after work is a well-received kind gesture.

In fact, 84% feel these small actions are what make their job feel worthwhile, with 61% claiming they perform better as a result.

[And one in four appreciate being invited out for food or drinks after work]

And one in four appreciate being invited out for food or drinks after work(Image: Sky Nesher/Getty Images)

Alison Snowden, an engineer for British Gas, which will be recruiting 3,500 apprentices over the next decade, said: For me, it really is the little things that make all the difference in the workplace.

Ive worked in my current job for nearly 30 years now, and those small moments of appreciation are so important. One of the many benefits of taking up a trade like engineering is the instant gratification of solving a customers problem.

Along with developing new skills, practical careers give you the chance to make a tangible difference to peoples lives and to the world around you, which can be extremely rewarding.

The average employee experiences a kind gesture twice a week at work, with one in 10 claiming the positive feeling it gives them lasts for a whole day.

And over half (55%) say that receiving a small act of kindness inspires them to return the favour, which workers will do four times a week, on average.

The average 2024 job seeker has been at their current company for seven years, with 46% claiming their next career change will be for the long haul.

Earning a higher salary, helping others, and doing something their family can be proud of, also featured highly on the list of new job goals, according to the survey, carried out via OnePoll.com.

Meanwhile, 15% of employees searching for a new job, said they valued a workplace that offers training and development opportunities.

Alison Snowden added: For anyone considering a new role, apprenticeships are a fantastic option whether youre at the beginning of your working life, or looking to retrain.

Engineering certainly gives you a lot of rewarding moments, especially working somewhere that has a supportive culture. Its so satisfying to go into peoples homes and help them in their hour of need, leaving again having fixed the problem, and feeling good about my role in that.

TOP 10 GESTURES WHICH GO A LONG WAY IN THE WORKPLACE:

1. A manager saying thank you
2. A customer or client saying thank you
3. Getting a pat on the back for a job well done
4. Someone helping you out, even though they are busy themselves
5. Being able to finish work early, due to family commitments
6. Someone offering to make you a cup of tea or coffee
7. Getting a cake or card on your birthday
8. Someone picking up an extra job for you, to help you out
9. Free lunches or breakfasts
10. Being included in team activities

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