The CIPD is reporting the number of employees who are looking for a new job reached a two-and-a-half year high. Additionally, job satisfaction has reached the lowest level since 2013.
The CIPD/Halogen Employee Outlook surveyed over 2,000 people, finding that approximately one quarter of employees are seeking a new job. This number is 20% higher than last year. When the survey inquired about job satisfaction, the data revealed a substantial decrease from last autumn. Last year, the net score was +48 and this year the net score is +40. There wasn’t much discrimination by industry, either. Job satisfaction seemingly fell in all areas of the economy, though the private sector fared the worst.
One of the research advisers for resourcing and talent planning at the CIPD said that while the current state of economic uncertainty is clearly fueling this issue, many employees complained about lack of career progression opportunities and the lack of developmental training. These are two areas that human resource experts have been urging organisations to focus on, for the sake of their staff.
Also very telling about the survey was the fact that there was an increase in employees who believe they are over-qualified for their position. Women and part-time workers seemed to express this feeling the most. Additionally, one fifth of surveyed employees felt their organisation’s approach to performance management was “somewhere unfair” or “very unfair”.
On the flip side of all of these complaints, however, the research found that overall, employees were happy with their line managers. This is a big win for employers.
Human resource experts are still adamant that employers really need to focus on development and position progression to keep their talent satisfied. The survey proved that workplace stresses are not what are causing this increase in employees looking for new jobs. One HR expert believes that it could potentially be linked to a lack of appreciation in the workplace. Doing little things like providing a developmental plan and training courses for employees who are motivated to learn, can go a very long way.
