National employee survey reveals a ten percent year-on-year increase in staff looking to jump ship with over half of workers (59 percent) considering changing jobs in 2017. Comment from Paul Devoy, Head of Investors in People.

Confidence in the jobs market has bounced with ten percent now reporting it has significantly improved since last year, up from five percent in 2016 outlook. Pay is the biggest gripe for workers, with 51 percent saying it is one of the main reasons they’re looking to move – a seven percent increase on last year. The findings are outlined in Investors in People’s annual ‘Job Exodus Trends’ report, revealing that one in four employees are on the hunt for a new role in 2017. Amid recent concerns about wages stagnating in the UK, half of workers (47 percent) said a small pay rise was the one thing their employer could do to increase happiness in their job – a seven percent increase on last year. Pay is closely followed by poor management as a major gripe for workers, 42 percent said their boss is causing them to be unhappy in their job.

Paul Devoy, Head of Investors in People, comments: “We were expecting to see British workers planning to stay put in the face of economic uncertainty. But we’ve seen exactly the opposite: a significant rise in people seeking to move employers in 2017 and a jump in jobs confidence. Workers are telling us they want to move for better pay, better management and flexible working. This sends a clear message to British business to invest in your people or risk losing them.” When asked what the most important qualities are in a new employer, job seekers said competitive pay (67 percent), the work itself being enjoyable (64 percent), benefits (44 percent), followed by having a good reputation as an employer (42 percent). However, over a third (35 percent) said they would rather have a more flexible approach to working hours than a three percent pay rise. Being part of an organisation that values its staff is particularly important to younger workers (16-29) with over a third (38 percent) saying it’s one of the most important qualities they look for in a new employer.

Paul continues: “With worker wages stagnating and a strong jobs market there is a clear imperative to address workers’ pay and tackle poor management.  Poor management (42 percent), not feeling valued (34 percent) and no career progression (33 percent) are critical factors for workers being unhappy in their jobs. Employers need to really invest in their people in 2017 to attract and retain the best talent.”