Workers who are most happy in their professional life are likely to be well-educated women aged 40, working in a secure industry offering a good work/life balance, according to a new British study.

A survey of 2000 employees by recruiter Randstad found that ambitious women were getting the most from work.

The firm drew up the profile of a “very fulfilled” worker, saying it was likely to be a 40-year-old, well educated woman, earning STG31,600 ($A58,340) a year, having a positive personality, with a sense of vocation in their career.

Industries with the highest proportion of fulfilled workers included construction, farming, teaching, social work, hospitality and health, while below average scores were found in manufacturing, the public sector and financial services.

“As the debate about equal opportunities at work continues, it’s inspiring to see that women are on top in terms of fulfilment,” said Mark Bull, chief executive of Randstad.

“Clearly, not everyone in the UK can be a well-educated, 40-year-old woman, but you don’t have to fit the typical profile of a very fulfilled worker in order to reach your full potential and feel more fulfilled in your career.

“Sadly, you may not find many 40-year-old women working within the construction sector. However, construction staff do tend to work in a vocational environment and often derive a real sense of satisfaction from seeing a project develop from the ground up which is why they have such a high proportion of very fulfilled staff within the workforce.

“Similarly, staff within education, social work and healthcare will also have a strong sense of vocation and derive satisfaction from helping others and all of these characteristics fit the typical profile of a very fulfilled worker.”