More than one-quarter of employees plan to leave job within 5 years: Survey

Not fully utilizing skills top reason for leaving

Despite overall employee happiness at work, 29 per cent of employees plan to leave their job within the next five years, found a recent survey.

The main reason cited for leaving was employees feeling their skills were not fully utilized (81 per cent), found the survey of 4,000 employees in across 14 countries by talent management firm Lumesse.

“It's clear that many people feel their skills are not used as well as they could be. For many people, the solution is going to be a move to a new job,” said Matthew Parker, CEO of Lumesse. “That's a pity because overall the survey shows good levels of workplace pride and satisfaction.”

The risk of talent loss is particularly affecting two critical sectors of the workforce according to the Inspiring Talent 2011. Nearly one-half (46 per cent) of 18 to 25-year-olds are already planning to leave their jobs. Similarly, one-half of the most experienced staff also expect to head for the door within five years.

Also, Nearly one-half (49 per cent) of survey respondents said their performance appraisal process was of little or no value.

However, the majority of workers (69 per cent) are proud of where they work, found the survey.

“If employers can combine that happiness with better career management then the benefits are obvious — better retention, better performance and higher productivity," said Parker.

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