Experts warn SAD support is crucial as only a quarter of UK workers happy in their roles

Adobe Express has conducted an extensive study, to find out the pros and cons of each industry, and how happy work life is for people across the country. The findings show that just one third (26%) are very content in their roles, while 14% claiming they aren’t fulfilled by their work and 28% even saying they would leave their position within the next 12 months if a new opportunity arose.

At any workplace, a supporting company or employer can make a real difference to a positive and progressive outlook. 16%, however, feel that they are not supported at all by their workplace. These findings are leading experts to warn of the importance of checking in on workers, especially as seasonal affective disorder affects 1 in 20, while the milder ‘winter blues’ impacts as many as 1 in 5.

The happiest industries to work in 

Adobe’s study reveals the industries that has the most people in their dream roles, as well as the best support:

• The industry with the highest percentage of people working their dream roles is Information Technology (59%), followed by Business Consulting and Management (54%), Engineering and Manufacturing (54%) and Property and Construction (54%)
• The industries with employees still searching for their dream roles are Media and internet (60%), Recruitment and HR (50%) and Public services and administration (38%)
• 29% of people working in Marketing, Advertising and PR are likely to switch roles in the next 12 months for the right opportunity, the highest out of all industries
• A third of workers (33%) in Science and Pharmaceuticals and Law Enforcement and Security say they are extremely fulfilled by their work, the highest percentage out of all industries
• 43% of people working in Marketing, advertising and PR feel supported by new innovative tools such as AI
• 59% in business, consulting and management feel supported by their work perks and benefits
• 40% of workers in Media and Internet said further support would help them achieve their career ambitions

The happiest UK cities to work in

• The city with the highest percentage of people working in their dream roles is Manchester (46%)
• The city with the least amount of people in their dream roles is Edinburgh (33%)
• 43% of people in Birmingham don’t have a dream role, whilst 13% of Londoners are undecided on what their dream role is
• 32% of people in Sheffield would leave their roles in the next 12 months if a new opportunity arose
• 40% of people in Belfast feel supported at work by innovative tools and ways of working such as AI
• 43% of Glaswegians are currently extremely fulfilled in their role, the highest out of all cities, compared to 10% of Bristolians, who claim they are completely unfulfilled with their work
• 80% of people in Belfast would leave their current role for a significant salary increase, whilst 60% are looking for more meaningful work, wanting to know their career is making a difference
• 29% of people in Edinburgh say they don’t have the resources to find their dream role

Adobe Express is providing tips to employers for checking in on staff during SAD season:

• Start with a check-in – Schedule short, informal 1:1s to ask how team members are coping as the seasons shift.
• Be flexible with schedules – Allow daylight-friendly hours where possible and flexible start and end times where possible, especially as people may be struggling.
• Encourage screen breaks – Promote time away from screens, ideally outside or near a window, to reduce fatigue and boost mood.
• Share wellbeing resources – Signpost mental health services, SAD-related advice, or workplace wellbeing apps and tools.
• Boost visibility of light – Encourage working in well-lit spaces or provide light therapy lamps for those affected.