Jobseekers - Happy New Year?

More happiness at work during 2018, but almost half still intend looking for a new job

As employees return to a normal work schedule after the Christmas period, many will do so happier than they were in 2018, but a larger proportion will have their minds on seeking employment elsewhere.

 A survey by a not-for-profit organisation, Investors in People, showed that 1 in 4 employees reported being unhappy at work in 2018, compared with 1 in 3 employees in 2017.  But the poll of 2000 people also showed that 47% of those surveyed stated that they plan to look for a new job in 2019.  Nearly 1 in 5 of those had already begun their search.

This compares favourably with the same period in the previous year, where 59% planned to look for new employment.

Of the group planning to look for new employment in 2019, the reasons cited for desiring a move included poor management, pay, feeling undervalued and the lack of career progression opportunities.

With regards to the reasons given for leaving, Paul Devoy, chief executive of Investors for People, said: “With research suggesting that employee disengagement costs the UK economy £340bn annually, bad leadership is eroding UK productivity,” he added.

“Management strategies must evolve to meet the demands of employees if organisations are to retain staff.”