Money hungry Brits develop social conscience

Over half of British workers do not feel fulfilled in their current jobs according to a recent survey by ethical volunteering organisation Global Vision International (GVI).

Whilst the results of the recent NOP/GVI survey reveal 53% of people feel unfulfilled in the workplace, the survey also reveals the solution lies outside of the office with workers believing they can gain fulfillment by helping others.

When asked what would make people feel more fulfilled, 60% of respondents said they would like the opportunity to help people who are less fortunate than themselves, and 21% said that they would like to volunteer to help save the planet. Money still ranks highly with 48% striving for fulfillment through material gain. Only 19% of those surveyed wanted more responsibility at work.

Alexis Bleasdale of GVI says, ìWhilst itís concerning that so many people feel unfulfilled in their jobs, it is incredibly heartening to see that as a nation we believe the solution lies in helping others or the environment, and not just in earning more money.

ìThere is definitely a growing awareness amongst people about the true satisfaction that one can get by taking time out to volunteer, and many forward-thinking employers are recognising this by offering sabbatical programs. We definitely see plenty of people who come back from volunteering with a new lease of life, enthused by their personal ability to make a difference on important humanitarian or conservation projects.î

The GVI survey also found that despite a desire to support conservation and humanitarian projects only 3% said that they had already gone on a sabbatical. However 62% of people said that they would consider taking a sabbatical in more than two years time, suggesting that the trends are changing.