Despite Dissatisfaction, Workers Plan to Stay Put

Specifically, the research found fewer than half (43% of women and 42% of men) of all respondents are satisfied with their current jobs, but nearly three-quarters (70% of women and 69% of men) plan to stay with their companies.   

According to a press release, the top reasons for respondents’ dissatisfaction are being underpaid (47% of women, 44% of men); a lack of opportunity for growth (36%, 32%); no opportunity for career advancement (33%, 34%); and feeling trapped (29%, 32%). Despite this, more than half of respondents (59% and 57% of men), say that, this year, in an effort to enhance their careers, they will work on developing their knowledge and/or a skill set to achieve their career objectives.   

Among top factors that would make respondents want to pursue career advancement were better compensation (65% of women, 67% of men); new, challenging assignments (44%, 48%); flexible work arrangements (39%, 34%); and leadership positions within their companies (22%, 28%).  

Other survey findings, according to the press release, include: 

• Women overall were somewhat less likely than men to say they have asked for pay raises (44% versus 48%) and promotions (28% versus 39%); 
• Fewer than one-third of respondents (32% of women and 31% of men) report that they have a formal or informal mentor ; 
• While more than half of respondents (55% of women and 57% of men) are satisfied with the career levels they’ve reached, more women report that their careers are not fast tracked (63% versus 55%). At the same time, fewer women say they aim to reach C-level or equivalent positions (14% versus 22%); 
• When asked about factors that help women advance in their organizations, more than two-thirds of women (68%) but only about half of men (55%) cited hard work and long hours.