Better than money? The top ten things we look for in a new job

When it comes to finding the perfect job, it is not all about the money, according to new research.

Factors such as passion, location, opportunities for development and work-life balance are more important than cold hard cash according to a study by office space comparison website LondonOffices.com.

The average Brit will spend around 81,000 hours, or the equivalent of a full nine years of their lives at work, so it's important to be commuting to a workplace that ticks all the boxes.

In no particular order, here are LondonOffices.com's top ten most important things to look for in a new job to ensure happiness and fulfilment in your professional life:

1. Passion

Being passionate about your job will help you feel fulfilled and make it easier to get up and go to work each and every day. Make sure that your role is meaningful to you and that the company inspires you to do your very best. This will come naturally if you identify with the company's mission statement and the work they do day in, day out.

2. Location

Commuting can add many hours and lots of stress to the workday, which is something a lot of people can't bear the thought of. Yet for some workplaces, a hefty commute is unavoidable, so it's definitely one of the most important things to check and consider when scouring for a new role.

3. Workplace

If you can, take a look around the company's workplace to see if it's a good fit for you. Is it a pleasant, well-lit, comfortable place to work?

Do you get good vibes from having a walk round? Go with your gut instinct – after all, this is the place you'll be spending a large portion of your time!

4. Work-life balance

Maintaining work-life balance is not only important for your personal health, wellbeing and relationships but it can also improve the efficiency of your work performance.

In today's fast-paced, ever-changing business world, the ability to achieve work-life balance is increasingly difficult, so it is more important than ever for people to find a job that respects and encourages the balance.

5. Job title

Taking salaries out of the equation, most people aren't happy to take a lower level job than what they've had previously, and job title for some is everything. Whether you crave the status 'manager' or 'supervisor' titles carry, or if you're simply climbing your way up the career ladder, your official job title is certainly something to take into account.

6. Company culture

This can be hard to figure out before you actually start working somewhere, but there are a few questions you should be asking yourself to help decide whether the company's culture is a good fit for you. Would you prefer working in a small or a large company? Is the working environment relaxed or formal? Does the management team inspire you? What's the dress code like? Are the people welcoming and friendly?

7. Opportunities

Look for a company that invests in the growth of its people and provides opportunities to develop skills which will help you progress to a more senior role, to start your own company, or whatever your long-time goal might be. Make sure you're clear on what the company can offer in terms of professional development if you know that you'd eventually like to progress.

8. Recognition

Whether you have your eye on a hefty bonus or you're simply content in receiving verbal appraise, it's nice for our hard work to be recognised and rewarded. For this reason, weighing up a company's appraisal format is essential.

9. Colleagues

Full-time workers will spend a big chunk of their waking lives at work, so it's vital to ensure that the people you're working with are the right fit for you. Having a good support network at work will help to motivate you each day, and as human beings are naturally social creatures, work friendships and positive interactions will increase happiness and productivity both inside and outside the office.

10. Salary

Unless you have a private income or somebody else finances your lifestyle, the salary from your job will pay for your home, food, and everything else. As such, it's vital to ensure that your job salary meets the minimum expectations for your job role and title, caters to your basic needs, and can sustain your lifestyle.

Commenting on the findings, Chris Meredith, chief executive officer of LondonOffices.com, said: "Of course, each of the points we've identified will rank differently for each individual. Job title has never been something which has driven me personally as title won't often reflect the exact nature of your role and day-to-day responsibilities, but it can be used as a good indicator of your experience, particularly when applying for new roles.

"It's also vital to take a look around your workplace before signing on the dotted line. Full time workers will spend nearly 25% of their time in the office each week so it's important to make sure you're in an environment that you love and can produce your best work in."