When it comes to their jobs, one-quarter of employed Americans (23 percent) are most thankful for job stability this holiday season, according to data released yesterday in a telephone survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Heald College. For the second consecutive year, the Heald College Workplace Thankfulness Survey asked employed Americans to identify what they were most grateful for in their work life other than pay.“Even though the economy has made some modest gains over the last year, there is still a general uneasiness about the state of the economy and it’s no surprise that Americans not only value the fact that they have jobs, but truly value the fact that they expect to keep their jobs long term,” said Jennifer Lozada, corporate director of career services for Heald College. “Americans want to feel that they are appreciated for what they do and that they will continue to play a long-term vital role in the workforce.”According to the survey and second to job stability, 22 percent of Americans indicated that they were most grateful for flexibility in their schedules (consistent with last year’s survey at 24 percent).“With the demands and distractions put on today’s family, it’s no wonder flexibility is so important and so valued. People understand that work/life balance is something that is absolutely necessary for both mental and physical health. In essence, we are seeing more and more people pursuing careers in industries that offer long-term stability and/or flexibility,” commented Lozada.“For instance, at Heald College, we’ve seen an increase in enrollment in such programmes that offer long-term stability as medical assisting, dental assisting and pharmacy technology. As the Baby Boomers age and medicine continues to improve, the US will undoubtedly see an increase in the need for healthcare. We see healthcare careers as a very stable job sector for the foreseeable future,” said Lozada.Lozada continued that Heald College also sees high demand for its IT programmes. “IT careers are typically quite flexible. Network system administrators, for instance, are needed around the clock in such locations as businesses, schools and government offices.”Top careers for stabilityBased on US Department of Labour industry trend information through 2018, as well as Heald College placement data, the following occupations continue to see high demand in the US:Medical assistantPharmacy technicianLegal and accounting administrative assistantNetwork systems administrationDental assistantHeald College’s Workplace Thankfulness Survey was conducted by Harris Interactive, using the Harris Poll National Quorum from October 18 to October 30, 2011. A total of 1,079 employed residents of the U.S. were surveyed by telephone. Results are considered accurate to +/- 3.0% 19 times out of 20.