Employers Fear Losing Recession-weary Employees

And they may have good reason to be concerned, as the survey found 33% of workers said it is likely they will start looking for a new job when the economy picks up.   

A press release said nearly one-third (32%) of workers reported they are dissatisfied with their pay, up from 29% during the same period last year. Nearly one-quarter (22%) of workers said they are dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with their work/life balance, up from 20 percent last year, and 27% are dissatisfied with the career advancement opportunities provided by their current employers, up from 24% last year.  

To hold onto these recession-weary workers, employers are implementing a variety of measures. Offering more flexible work arrangements, investing more in training, and promising future raises or promotions topped the list. More performance-based incentives such as trips and bonuses and providing a higher title without a higher salary also ranked in the top five.  

Of workers who have their sights set on making a career move, in addition to competitive pay and benefits, they are looking for good career advancement opportunities (60%) and good work culture (57%).  

They are also looking for:

• Company financial stability and growth potential – 52%,
• Training and learning opportunities – 47%,
• Less stressful work environment – 45%,
• Flexible work arrangements – 43%,
• Sense of ownership in their position, that they can make a difference – 42%, and
• Camaraderie, more family-like work environment – 34%.