Friday, March 29, 2024

Even Your Satisfied Employees Will Be Job Hunting Come January 2018

A recent survey, taken by more than 2,400 people, sheds some light on who will be job searching in January 2018 and why. See what you’re up against as an employer and use this information to understand where your workers are coming from.

Before anyone starts tallying January job-hunters, the obvious question is how many of them are fed up with their current jobs and why. Even though the national unemployment rate is hovering just below 9 percent, a large percentage of people surveyed are dissatisfied in their current positions. Almost half of respondents—43 percent—said they are not happy in their current jobs.

Armed with the knowledge that so many workers are unhappy in their jobs, we wanted to find out why.

Not surprisingly, money (or a lack thereof) topped the list of complaints. Of the people surveyed, 67 percent said they want to leave their current position because of an insufficient salary.

Additionally, it looks like end-of-the-year raises and bonuses play a big part in that decision, as 29 percent of people said the lack of a raise or bonus during the holidays directly contributed to their decision to look for a new job. Perhaps a small raise, bonus or simply some end-of-year recognition could improve your employee retention.

While money topped the list of complaints, workers also care deeply about other facets of their jobs.

Sixty percent of people surveyed claimed they are dissatisfied because there is little to no possibility of advancement. Meanwhile, half of the respondents said they are underappreciated and 35 percent complained they are overworked.

Also, 27 percent of those surveyed said they lack an adequate work-life balance and have to deal with horrible bosses. Although the employer-employee relationship is a two-way street, perhaps a look in the mirror is necessary as an employer if your workers keep going elsewhere.

Even though only 43 percent of people said they are unhappy with their current occupation, 48 percent of respondents said they actively looked for another job in 2016 and 2017.

When asked if they will look for a new job in 2018, that number jumped considerably to 56 percent. But despite the increased number of job-seekers expected next year, only 23 percent of companies plan on hiring full-time, permanent employees in 2018.

This is just further proof that the number of job hunters in January always increases, so if you want to make a concerted effort to keep your employees in place it might not be a bad idea to go the extra mile for the next remaining months.

Although more than half of the people surveyed said they hope to leave their current jobs, many of them said they might change their minds if certain improvements are made.

Not surprisingly, most people—75 percent—said they want more money in the form of raises and/or bonuses. But you don’t necessarily have to shell out more money to keep your employees happy. Role clarification and peace of mind are also high up on the priority list as 35 percent said they need their employers to set clearer goals, 33 percent are desperately seeking a better work-life balance and more time with their families and 27 percent of people would stay if they were allowed to work from home.

Fifty-seven percent of people said they are happy and content in their current jobs. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re standing pat.

Of the people who reported being satisfied at their current jobs, 31 percent said they actively searched for another job in 2016. Furthermore, 32 percent said they plan to keep searching for a new job in 2018.

It might be frustrating, but employers need to realize even satisfied employees are looking for something better this time of year.

While younger workers have gained a reputation for job-hopping, survey indicates those in the mid to late stages of their careers are the ones looking for new jobs.

Thirty-four percent of workers age 46-55 are looking to switch jobs next year, followed by 27 percent of people between the ages of 36-45. Less than one-quarter—20 percent—of those in the 26- to 35-year-old age group are actively seeking a new job this year, while a mere 3 percent of young workers between the ages of 18-25 said they plan to change careers.

Employers need to know their employees—both the satisfied and disgruntled—are on the lookout for greener pastures come January 2018.

Connect With Us

320,549FansLike
14,108FollowersFollow
8,436FollowersFollow
1,880SubscribersSubscribe

Latest Stories

Related Stories