In a survey of over 2,400 working adults, 51% said they would keep working for reasons beyond financial necessity. Interestingly, 7% of respondents revealed they are already in that position. Just over a third (36%) said they would stop working if income was no longer a factor.
The findings underline the important role work plays in people’s lives beyond a monthly pay cheque – an insight mortgage and protection advisers may want to explore with clients when discussing financial resilience.
Generational and regional differences were clear. Almost two-thirds (63%) of under-35s said they would continue to work, compared with just 33% of over-55s. London topped the list regionally, with 67% of respondents likely to keep working, while Wales had the lowest figure at 38%.
Work was also shown to provide a strong sense of identity: 70% of respondents said they take a lot of pride in their job, with only 12% disagreeing.
Alan Waddington, Distribution Director at Cirencester Friendly, said: “These results show just how important work is to people. It gives them so much more than a regular income – it gives their lives purpose, meaning and pride. We continually hear that the younger generation lack a work ethic, but our survey shows this is simply not the case. What may not be as important is working long hours and being driven by money. What our survey suggests is that they see it as way to improve their own self esteem.
For advisers, the findings highlight an opportunity: while income protection is designed to safeguard finances, the emotional and psychological value of work means clients may see real benefit in products that support a quicker and less stressful return to the workplace.
“In our world, we see this all too clearly. While people take out income protection to ensure they have the money to pay the essentials no matter what, we talk to customers everyday who want to get back to work as it makes them feel useful and valuable to themselves, their family and society. Not having the additional worry of covering their bills lets them do this more quickly.”
