7 Out of 10 Employees Seeking New Challenge

7 Out of 10 Employees Already Seeking New Challenge

A survey released today by seek.co.nz shows that seven out of ten New Zealand employees are already planning their route to new challenges in 2010.

The SEEK Employee Satisfaction and Motivation 2010 survey reveals 68% of Kiwis are keeping their eyes open for other employment options, providing substance to predictions by industry commentators of high levels of job churn in the near future.

SEEK New Zealand General Manager, Annemarie Duff describes how as economic conditions continue to improve, it appears employees are now feeling more secure but less happy in their current role.

“After 18 months of widespread pay freezes and retrenchment, job markets are beginning to stabilise and a greater number of opportunities are being advertised. Employees no longer have to feel grateful ‘just to have a job’. Seven out of ten employees are seeking new challenges and four out of ten are planning to leave their current employer within the next six months,” said Annemarie Duff, General Manager of Seek New Zealand.

“Employees tell us that they’re looking to Management to demonstrate that they appreciate their staff and their efforts and that there are development opportunities within the organisation.”

The survey revealed that the most common reason for leaving current employment was for want of a new challenge. This was followed by wanting a ‘better package and benefits’, ‘not feeling appreciated at work’ and ‘bad management’.

“Interestingly, three of the top four reasons for individuals leaving their current jobs are not strictly financial. Salary is not the Holy Grail for retaining good staff – there are a raft of things employers can do without having to give everyone a pay rise,” said Duff.

“Investing resources in training and personal development, looking at job-swap schemes or promoting from within the organisation will help provide those new challenges that individuals seek. Strong management is also vital – ensure managers are equipped with strong people management skills not just technical ability.”

Unsurprisingly, the survey also showed that employees believed openness and honesty, communication skills and the ability to encourage staff and listen to suggestions were the most important qualities for managers to possess.

“Happy, secure and engaged staff are the key to success in any organisation as they become corporate champions. Taking the time to discover what makes employees feel valued and motivated is invaluable and will certainly reduce costs in recruitment and training in the future,” said Annemarie Duff.

ENDS

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