A KPMG People Services/YouGov survey has found that almost half of employees in the south do not feel adequately re-warded in their job.

The research discovered that just 22 per cent of those surveyed said they were adequately rewarded, while 49 per cent did not feel that their financial and benefits package was appropriate. Interestingly, almost twice as many (18 per cent) felt it was their benefits, such as private healthcare, company cars or pensions, rather than their financial reward (11 per cent) that was lacking.

The survey also revealed:

Just 18 per cent of employees in the south are entirely happy in their job (one per cent above the national figure of 17 per cent).

11 per cent of south employees are actively seeking new employment (five per cent lower than the UK as a whole) and a further 23 per cent feel dissatisfied and are 'quite likely' to leave.

15 per cent (compared with 18 per cent nationally) are staying in their current job as they fear they will not find alternative employment in the current economic climate.

38 per cent cite earning more money as the main reason they would consider leaving their current employment.

A fifth of those questioned in the south said flexible hours or home-working would motivate them / most enhance their commitment to their current job.

The survey revealed that out of UK workers, men want recognition, women seek flexibility, young people would like career development and older people want an easier lifestyle.

Mike Nagle, people services senior manager in KPMG's Southampton office, said: "The traditional pay and reward structure is, in many cases, outdated and becoming increasingly irrelevant. Different people want

different things and the most effective strategy is to offer as much flexibility as possible."