One-half of workers think they need to change employers to advance career: Survey

One-quarter see growth opportunities with current employer in the next year

Nearly one-half (47 per cent) of employees believe that in order to develop their skills and advance their careers, they need to change employers, according to a recent survey.

In spite of the lingering uncertainty in the economy, more than one-half (62 per cent) said that if they did change jobs, they would be in a good position to negotiate a similar or better position, found the Kelly Global Workforce Index by Kelly Services which surveyed 170,000 people in 30 countries, including 7,000 from Canada.

"We are seeing a shifting attitude on the part of employees who are increasingly embracing the idea of working for multiple employers as a way to gain a wider array of work experience and advance their careers," said Kristin Supancich, vice-president and general manager of Canadian operations at Kelly Services.

The idea of a career-for-life with one employer is regarded as important by 38 per cent of workers. Those with professional and technical skills are less attracted to the career-for-life (37 per cent) proposition compared to other workers (41 per cent), found the survey.

Other survey highlights:

•Almost two-thirds said experience with multiple employers is an asset in their career development.

•Only 24 per cent believe they will have the chance to progress or gain a promotion with their current employer in the next year.

•Almost one-half of those surveyed (47 per cent) believe that their current employer is not realizing their full potential.

"Employers face the reality that even happy workers are actively planning for the next step in their career and that many are seeing the advantages of employment experiences with a more diverse range of organizations," said Supancich. "Employers need to consider ways to improve their development and engagement programs so that employees think twice before switching employers."

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