The research, conducted by Gumtree, has cited flexibility, perks, breaks, learning and development opportunities and contentment as being the factors behind a happy work life. It describes the “Hidden Heroes” sector of the UK economy as an emerging labour workforce that is motivated by employee benefits rather than take-home pay alone.

Fitness, education, security and construction are the industries with the happiest low-paid employees, according to the research.

The happiest industry is sports, fitness and leisure, with more than four in five (85%) looking forward to going to work every day. On the other hand, less than two thirds (61%) of those working in customer services enjoy going to work.

It’s perhaps unsurprising that over a quarter of those surveyed (26%) said their working hours aren’t the typical 9-5. At a time when freelancing and flexible hours are on the rise, we seem to be breaking away from the traditional expectations of a day at the office.

These are the secrets behind the happiest jobs under a £30k salary