Nearly three-fifths of pension trustees1 (59%) described working in pensions right now as simultaneously energising, overwhelming, fascinating and exhausting, in findings from a survey of trustees and pension professionals conducted during Aptia’s annual Showcase event at London’s Sea Containers building on 21 April.
| Emotion(s) | % respondents |
| Energising | 10% |
| Overwhelming | 3% |
| Fascinating | 21% |
| Exhausting | 8% |
| All of the above | 59% |
For those singling out a single adjective, the positives of working in pensions beat the negatives, with just over one fifth (21%) calling the profession ‘fascinating’, with 1 in 10 describing it as ‘energising’. Those respondents who were ‘exhausted’ or ‘overwhelmed’ were fewer in number at 8% and 3% respectively.
Sue Doughty, Aptia’s Head of UK Pensions Administration, said ‘Working in pensions today is demanding, but that’s precisely what makes it rewarding. The fact that so many professionals describe the industry as energising and fascinating – despite keeping pace with regulation, AI and wider industry changes - speaks to a sector full of opportunity, variety and purpose.
‘Careers in pensions administration, in particular, looks very different to the outdated stereotypes. The role now combines data expertise, technology, regulatory insight and customer experience. That combination is challenging—but it’s also what makes the sector exciting, future‑focused and a strong career choice.’
1. Survey of up to 78 trustees and pension professionals was conducted at the Aptia showcase event on 21 April 2026 and is intended to show a snapshot of opinion of attendees.
For more information contact:
Quill PR
Sam Emery/ Emma Murphy/ Robbie Lawther/Bruno Aldridge
Email: Aptia@quillpr.com
Corinne Gladstone, Aptia Head of Corporate Communications & Public Relations.
Email: media.enquiries@aptia-group.com
Tel: 07989 448075
NOTES TO EDITORS
- Founded to shape the future of pensions, health, and insurance solutions, Aptia is a leading UK pensions administrator and US employee benefits administrator dedicated to simplifying complexity for businesses and individuals. It brings together cutting-edge technology and deep industry expertise to help organisations navigate an evolving landscape with clarity and confidence.
- Aptia is the UK’s largest private-sector third-party administrator serving 1200 clients and more than 3 million members, delivering solutions that drive efficiency, enhance financial security, and provide peace of mind.
- Aptia has a presence in the UK, US, India. Aptia’s strength lies in the combination of smart technology and expert teams, ensuring that managing pensions, health, and insurance is more effective. By focusing on innovation, accessibility, and client success, Aptia helps businesses take care of their people, so they can focus on what they do best.
