Being paid a fair rate for the job we do is important to all of us, but when it comes to achieving genuine happiness at work, hard cash is surprisingly low down the priority list.

That’s the conclusion of a recent study by the consultancy firm ISR, which suggests that “creative” fulfilment, a good relationship with colleagues and the knowledge that we are doing a “meaningful” job invariably outrank mere salary packages on the job satisfaction wish-list.

ISR says that 85 per cent of us like the work we do and 75 per cent of us believe our work makes good use of our skills. While money, status and job titles may initially quicken the pulse rate, long-term contentment at work comes from enjoying autonomy in what we do, good career progression and, in many cases, helping others through our work.

Research from the vocational body City & Guilds shows that people who work with their hands tend to be far happier at work than those who don’t, particularly when their jobs combine an intellectual challenge with practical skills. C&G’s annual Happiness Index suggests that hairdressers, beauticians and cooks or chefs are among the happiest people in Britain, while estate agents, civil servants and architects — who invariably earn more and who enjoy the cachet of being among the professional classes — are often the least content.

“Happy” workers say that they enjoy putting their practical, hands-on skills to good use and cite their daily interaction with others as a major plus of the job. In terms of pay, says Chris Humphries, the C&G’s director-general, the gap between traditional blue-collar workers and white-collar professionals appears to have narrowed.

“Our survey shows that 52 per cent of white-collar and 51 per cent of blue-collar workers believe they are adequately rewarded. Little wonder that more people than ever are choosing vocations that allow them to use their brains and be in charge of their own destiny.”

PAs and secretaries, classed as practical, “vocational” workers in the City & Guilds study, were ranked as the 11th happiest group of workers in Britain in the 2004 research, but fell to 26th position this year.

Jackie Wood, the membership development manager at the Institute of Qualified Professional Secretaries says: “The scope of the PA’s role in today’s office is wider and more challenging than ever before, taking in project management, HR, marketing and even PR events.

“Set against the extra responsibility, though, is the marked increase in stress levels — particularly the extra stress caused by working for several different people at once — and it could be this that accounts for the dip in our Happiness Index rating.”

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