More than half (59 per cent) of U.S. workers say it would be easy to find a new job and many have taken or plan to take steps to leave their current role, according to a survey by the Hartford Financial Services Group Inc.
The survey, which polled 500 employers and 1,000 employees, found the top motivators among employees who switched or plan to switch jobs are higher wages (47 per cent), better workplace culture (33 per cent), flexibility (24 per cent) and poor treatment by management (22 per cent).
More than a quarter (28 per cent) of workers described their company culture as stressful compared to 11 per cent of employers. Only 14 per cent of employers recognized company culture as a factor in employees’ decisions to leave.
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Among employer respondents, 71 per cent said they consider their benefits package to be better than those offered by their competitors, but only 55 per cent of workers agreed, up from 50 per cent in February 2021. Although employees may not view their benefits packages as competitive as employers do, 79 per cent said they value the benefits offered through their employer.
Eight in 10 (80 per cent) employers feel workers have flexibility in their schedule to get the mental-health help they need, compared to just 53 per cent of employees, a decrease from 58 per cent in February 2021.
And while employee benefits weren’t a big influence for those seeking new employment opportunities, most employers (70 per cent) believe employees under-utilize the services, benefits and programs they make available.
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“It is no surprise that workers are seeking higher salaries, but it is concerning employers are not seeing eye to eye with their workforce on issues related to workplace culture and retention,” said Jonathan Bennett, head of group benefits at the Hartford, in a press release. “These disconnects are impeding retention. Employers who will attract and retain diverse, innovative and talented people will not only include the foundation of strong pay and benefits, but will be those who embrace a transparent, inclusive work culture that prioritizes flexibility and communication.”