Benefits August 2, 2004

More Workers Leaving For Greener Pastures

August 2, 2004 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - As the economy improves and takes the job market with it, more workers are voluntarily choosing to change jobs.
Reported by

Six percent of those employed at the start of the second quarter voluntarily left their employer for a new job. This is up from 5.3% in the first quarter and 3.8% a year ago, and marks the fourth consecutive quarter of growth in the job change measure, the Philadelphia Business Journal is reporting.

Lee Hecht Harrison, the career consulting firm that sponsors the Career Mobility Index, said the number of voluntary defections can be attributed to an economic recovery and improving job market.

“During the depths of the downturn, most people who were not laid off, or in imminent danger, stayed put, saysLee Hecht HarrisonSenior Vice President and General Manager Elva Bankins. “Now with the recovery making slow but steady strides and new jobs opening up, more workers seem emboldened to make a move.”

In New Jersey that improving economy has meant a growth of 72,300 jobs since June 2003. Similarly, b etween May and June,Pennsylvania added 20,300 jobs, according to the Philadelphia Business Journal report.

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