More than a third of employees feel that their talents aren't being fully exploited in their current role.

A survey by commercial property company MDA found that 35% of all respondents believed their talents and experience were being undervalued by short-sighted managers who weren’t prepared to reward good work either financially or with more responsibility.

Nearly a quarter - 23% - of the 600 people interviewed said they were unaware of any plans their employers had for their career progression within the company, as a result 12% believed their jobs were under threat.

In contrast to the image of the modular-career, nearly half - 48% - of the 600 people surveyed put job security as the number one priority in their working lives. Salary was beaten into third place behind job satisfaction.

The survey also showed that people are willing to go the extra mile to feel their skills are being recognised, with 37% saying they would happily travel another two hours a day to get the right job.

Mark Evans, director of MDA, said: “Companies should be spending more time and money consulting regularly with staff to ensure they feel valued and that their talents are being put to the best use.

“Without the prospect of promotion or bonuses for hard work, some employees feel that their careers are going nowhere and as a result would happily go the extra distance to feel secure and happy in a job.”