Being rich in life experiences and having a good work/life balance are the status symbols that are most important to Swedish workers, according to the Manpower Work Life survey.

Monica Långbo, HR Director of ManpowerGroup Sweden, commented: “It is clear that many workers appreciate a good life outside work. Employers that can help their employees find that balance will be the winners in the long run.”

Just over a third (37%) of respondents feel that job status is either somewhat important or very important. Only four-out-of-10 respondents (39%) advised that they actively seek out high status jobs.

The survey ranks so-called ‘soft’ values of a wealth of life experiences and a good work/life balance, significantly higher than more traditional status symbols; such as a nice car, a summer house abroad, and possessing influence.

Nearly half of those surveyed (47%) already feel that their jobs give them either some or a lot of status.

“It’s gratifying that so many feel that they already have a job that gives them status,” Ms Långbo added.     

Key:

Hur viktigt skulle du saga att det är fӧr dig att ha ett job som ger hӧg status? – How important would you say it is for you to have a high status job?

Inte alls viktigt – Not important at all

Inte så viktigt – Not very important

Ganska viktigt – Quite important

Mycket vigtigt – Very important