Workers continue to feel trapped in their jobs and want to find new employment elsewhere, according to a survey by Right Management.
Of the employees polled, 84% said they plan to look for a new position in 2012—reflecting the same level of discontent as the 84% reported in Right Management’s 2010 survey. Also like last year, only 5% said they intend to remain in their current position.
“The survey findings reflect a lot of employee dissatisfaction across North America,” said Bram Lowsky, executive vice-president of Right Management. “Employees are restless and feel they are lacking in options. The prolonged period of economic uncertainty has meant much less job mobility than usual, and employees understandably believe they have fewer career opportunities, either internally or via a new position.”
According to Lowsky, the findings serve as a barometer of worker distrust in management as well as job commitment. “It’s a workplace equivalent to whether or not ‘the country is moving in the right direction.’ Sometimes called ‘flight cognition’ by behavioral psychologists, intent to leave is far from an unusual phenomenon, but when it applies to four-out-of-five employees for two years running it has to be of top concern to senior management.”
Addressing the distrust may certainly be difficult in a down economy, conceded Lowsky. “Senior management need to show they’re up to the challenge of renewed growth and developing a sound strategy moving forward. In the meantime, when the job market picks up many employees are sure to make their move, and employers should expect to lose some top contributors. Top management can’t hope these challenges will go away on their own.”
Lowksy suggested that management identify star performers and have constructive career discussions with them. “These kinds of people always have career options. It’s your job to know who they are, to let them know you know who they are and to tune in to their individual motivators in order to hold onto them.”