Mass employee migration: most UK workers seeking fresh career avenues

This is a guest blog by REC business partner Simplicity

Mass employee migration: most UK workers seeking fresh career avenues

A Blackhawk Network (BHN) report from 2024 shows that 73% of UK workers are actively looking for new employment. The survey also highlighted that 90% of UK workers are concerned about their current jobs. The study reveals workplace dissatisfaction based on responses from 1,000 workers nationwide.

Merely 20% of participants were happy and fulfilled their current roles. Whereas 15% acknowledged that they were bored or uninterested in their work.

In an investigation into the underlying causes of work unhappiness, the study found that 20% of job seekers want better incentives, prizes, or recognition from their existing employers. Furthermore, the proportion of those seeking improved benefits has increased to 23%.

These results show that employers must act quickly to solve these issues. There is ambiguity about where to begin. This makes it likely that many executives find it difficult to develop ideas that work to raise morale.

Managing Hybrid Work Expectations: Striking a Balance

The study looked at a hybrid working arrangement and found that flexibility is essential to 32% of respondents. Notably, one crucial element impacting job decisions was found to be flexible work locations.

Even with the growing trend of remote work, some companies still place a strong emphasis on physical office buildings as a means of preserving company culture. Results showed that half of the workers would think about returning to work in an office if their compensation increased, and 39% would think about working four days a week.

Recognition matters: creating a culture of reward.

According to the report, 80% of employees believe they are more valued when they receive awards from their employers, highlighting the significance of consistent recognition in the workplace. Moreover, most respondents (67%) think acknowledging positive contributions needs to happen at least once a month, if not more frequently.

Nevertheless, there is a significant gap between what employees expect from their employers and what they receive; according to 43% of employees, their companies do not have incentive or recognition programmes.

Chris Ronald, VP of EMEA B2B – Incentives, Rewards & Benefits at BHN, reflected on these findings, stating, “Covid, hybrid working, and advancements in remote working tech have all contributed to a shift in employee behaviour and expectations. Employers must listen to their employees’ needs or risk losing them.”

Ronald emphasised the possible effects of pervasive worker unhappiness on specific companies and the overall economy. He pushed company executives to accept the changing work-life balance needs and create an environment where employees feel appreciated, and excellent workplace behaviours are recognised.

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