More than two-thirds of workers considering job change: Survey

Employees seeking personal fulfilment, growth

Many employees across Canada have become disengaged from their work, with less than one-half feeling valued by their employers, and more than one-quarter saying they frequently think about quitting, according to a recent survey by Kelly Services.

More than two-thirds (69 per cent) of those surveyed said they definitely intend to look for a new job with another employer within the next year, found the Kelly Global Workforce Index, which surveyed more than 9,000 employees from Canada.

"Employees have experienced unprecedented economic turmoil. As a result, they are restless regarding their future career goals,” said Kristin Supancich, vice-president and general manager of Canadian operations at Kelly Services. “Unless employers can offer meaningful work and ongoing opportunities for growth, many employees feel it is in their best interest to keep their career options open."

Among the main workforce generations, baby boomers (aged 49 to 66) are the most likely to switch employers, with 74 per cent planning to look for another position in the next year, compared with 68 per cent of both gen X (31 to 48) and gen Y (aged 19 to 30), found the survey.

Slightly less than one-half (47 per cent) of those surveyed said they are happy in their jobs.

Fewer than one-half of all respondents (41 per cent) said that their current employment provides them with a sense of meaning. The ability to excel or develop was identified by 81 per cent of respondents as the key to providing a sense of meaning.

When considering one position over another, survey respondents cited personal fulfilment and personal growth/advancement as two main areas of consideration.

"We see many people who are unhappy in their jobs and are actively searching for new opportunities,” said Supancich. “Others are reasonably content but as the economy improves, seek greater engagement and meaning, and are prepared to walk away from work arrangements that are not providing them with a sense of accomplishment.”

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