3 in 5 workers say they have 'just a job,' not a career

One-quarter plan to change jobs this year: Survey

Nearly three-in-five (58 per cent) Canadian workers feel they have “just a job” as opposed to a career (42 per cent), according to a survey released by Careerbuilder.ca.

Nearly one-quarter (23 per cent) said they plan to change jobs this year, up from 17 per cent last year, found the survey of 426 full-time, private sector employees.

Why? Employee satisfaction may be one cause. Job satisfaction matters to most (88 per cent) workers, yet one in five (18 per cent) employees said they are dissatisfied with their job — up from 15 per cent last year.

Still, 57 per cent are satisfied with their current jobs, mostly because of their co-workers, benefits and work-life balance, found the survey.

Those who reported being dissatisfied with their job most frequently cited the following concerns:

•“I don’t feel valued, I feel like just a number.” (61 per cent)
• “My salary.” (56 per cent)
• “I don’t like my boss.” (43 per cent)
• “I’m unable to make a difference.” (33 per cent)
• “I have no training or learning opportunities.” (31 per cent)
• “I don’t have a good work-life balance.” (27 per cent)
• “I don’t feel challenged.” (26 per cent)

Those who are satisfied cited the following reasons:

• “I like the people I work with.” (80 per cent)
• “Benefits.” (62 per cent)
• “I have a good work-life balance.” (58 per cent)
• “I like my boss.” (54 per cent)
• “I feel valued/my accomplishments are recognized.” (48 per cent)
• “My salary.” (42 per cent)

“Offering frequent recognition, merit bonuses, training programs and clearly defined career paths are important ways to show workers what they mean to the company,” said Mark Bania, senior career advisor at CareerBuilder Canada. “With new positions constantly being added across Canada each month that are enticing workers to change jobs, now is the time for employers to look at their recruitment strategies and make adjustments so their top talent doesn’t jump ship.”

The best way for employers to increase retention

•Raise salaries (74 per cent)
Increase employee recognition (rewards, cash prizes, company trips) (56 per cent)
•Increase benefits (55 per cent)
Ask employees what changes they want to see and put feedback into action 952 per cent)
Provide flexible work schedules (51 per cent)
Increase training/learning opportunities (40 per cent)
Provide special perks (free lunches, concierge services, game room, etc.) (32 per cent).

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