A new survey* from income protection specialist Cirencenster Friendly reveals the important role work plays in people's lives beyond providing a regular income.

In the survey of more than 2,400 people who are currently working, 51% said they would continue working, even if it wasn't a financial necessity. Indeed, 7% of respondents said they were already in this position. Only just over a third (36%) said they would be unlikely to continue to work if they didn't have to earn money.

It is the younger respondents, those aged under 35, would be most likely to continue to work. Almost two-thirds (63%) said they would carry on, compared to just 33% of those aged 55 and over. This shows that work is important to younger generations and they do see it as valuable to them beyond a monthly pay cheque.

The survey revealed stark differences in attitudes from region to region. The region with the highest number of people who would be likely to continue to work for more than financial reasons was London, which is perhaps unsurprising, given people tend to gravitate towards the capital for work reasons.

More than half of people living in Northern Ireland, the North East, Yorkshire, the West Midlands, the East of England and the South West would also be likely to continue to work. Those living in Wales were by far the least most likely to continue to work.

Interestingly, the survey revealed very little difference between men and women on this issue. Men were only slightly more likely to say they would continue to work than women - 53% compared to 49%. This reveals the universal value seen in contributing to society and having a purpose.

This is supported by the fact that 70% of respondents say they take a lot of pride in their work, with women taking slightly more pride (74%) than men (67%). Only just over one in 10 (12%) said their work does not give them a sense of pride.

Alan Waddington, Cirencester Friendly's distribution director, said: "These results show just how important work is to people. It gives them so much more than a regular income - it gives their lives purpose, meaning and pride.

"We continually hear that the younger generation lack a work ethic, but our survey shows this is simply not the case. What may not be as important is working long hours and being driven by money. What our survey suggests is that they see it as a way to improve their own self-esteem.

"In our world, we see this all too clearly. While people take out income protection to ensure they have the money to pay the essentials no matter what, we talk to customers every day who want to get back to work. It makes them feel useful and valuable to themselves, their family and society. Not having the additional worry of covering their bills lets them do this more quickly."

*Survey conducted by Opinium Research on behalf of Cirencester Friendly with 2,420 working adults in living in the UK in August 2025