The CIPD Good Work Index is an annual benchmark of good work or job quality in the UK. Each year, we survey more than 5,000 workers across different sectors and occupations about key aspects of their work and employment and offer insights to drive improvement in working lives.

The purpose of our CIPD Good Work Index research is to set out how people work and what they think about it. We achieve this by capturing data on seven dimensions of work to define what good work looks like.  

These seven dimensions are as follows: 

  • Pay and benefits
  • Contracts 
  • Work-life balance  
  • Job design and the nature of work 
  • Relationships at work 
  • Employee voice 
  • Health and wellbeing 

Latest research 

Our latest research explores job quality in the UK today and the factors impacting it, such as public sector discontent and the cost-of-living crisis. Our evidence suggests that whilst job satisfaction in the UK is high, we’re seeing a slow shift away from engaging and fulfilling jobs. 

Our latest research is packed with practical guidance and includes two UK-wide reports (a survey report and a summary report), and three local reports (A north of England report, a Wales report, and Working Lives Scotland – our Scotland report).  

Readers of our CIPD Good Work Index can use our latest research to help inform policy and practice, and to protect job quality and job quantity. 

Please note: While these findings are based on UK data, the broader trends and implications should be of interest wherever you are based. 

Download our latest reports below 

CIPD Good Work Index 2023 | Survey report

Download the survey report
PDF document 1.5 MB

CIPD Good Work Index 2023 | Summary report and practical guidance

Download the summary report and guidance
PDF document 1.2 MB

CIPD view on good work 

The CIPD believes that good work is fundamental to individual wellbeing, supports a strong, fair society, and creates motivated workers, productive organisations and a strong economy.  

We define ‘good work’ as work that:  

  • is fairly rewarded  
  • gives people the means to securely make a living  
  • provides opportunities to develop skills and a career and gives a sense of fulfilment  
  • delivers a supportive environment with constructive relationships  
  • allows for work–life balance  
  • is physically and mentally healthy for people  
  • gives people the voice and choice they need to shape their working lives  
  • is accessible to all.  

Good work is affected by a range of factors, including HR practices, the quality of people management and by workers themselves. 

Good Work Index - North
of England

Read our North of England summary of the CIPD Good Work Index 2023 survey report.

Callout Image

CIPD Good Work Index
- Wales

Read our Wales summary of the CIPD Good Work Index 2023 survey report.

Callout Image

Working
Lives Scotland

Access our latest dedicated analysis of job quality and its impact on working lives in Scotland.

Callout Image

Good
Work Stories

People from different professions share their personal experience of work to help us understand how we can make work better for everyone.

Callout Image

More reports

Reports
Pay, performance and transparency 2024

Insight from the CIPD’s survey into factors driving pay decisions in UK workplaces and recommendations for practice

Reports
Neuroinclusion at work report 2024

Find out about the importance of neuroinclusive workplaces, what employers are doing and the working experiences of neurodivergent and neurotypical employees

Reports
Devolution and evolution in UK skills policy

A report seeking common ground in skills policy across the UK’s four nations

Reports
People Profession 2023: International report

Insight into how global issues are impacting people professionals in the UK, Ireland, Asia-Pacific, MENA and Canada

See all reports