The majority (66%) of employees are not provided with any training or opportunities for progression in their current role.
Over a quarter (27%) of the nation’s office workers admitted that they would leave their current role if offered a better position or salary, a new survey reveals.
The Lunch and Learn Survey, from Just Eat for Business, asked the nation’s employees about their career outlook, and how undervalued they feel at work.
The aspects that office workers would be most encouraged to leave for are a better salary (29%), an improved work-life balance (24%) and more seniority (16%).
What about career progression opportunities?
A staggering 66 percent of office workers in the UK do not feel they’re given enough opportunities to progress in their current position.
Also, one in four (27%) office workers would also leave their current position if offered better opportunities for progression elsewhere, such as salary or seniority, a new nationwide survey reveals.
The Lunch and Learn Survey, from Just Eat for Business, asked the nation’s employees about their career outlook and aspirations, including how many opportunities for progression they have been given in their current role, and how they feel about job satisfaction overall.
Lack of training: what would drive an employee to switch jobs?
For a quarter of those surveyed, a role that offered a better salary, increased responsibilities or a more advanced position would turn their head, as progression is a priority for them.
This is unsurprising given that for many employees, the pandemic highlighted the aspects of their working life that they’d like to improve, including work-life balance, salary, position, commuting time, personal development and career outlook, to name a few.
For those who would leave their current position, the most tempting factor came out as a better salary (29%), as well as improved work-life balance (24%) and more seniority (16%).
Salary is a key sticking point for many, with the survey also revealing that almost a third (29%) feel their wage is not representative of their skill level, and that they are undervalued.
Not only is career progression beneficial when it comes to salary or seniority – it is also linked to greater job satisfaction, boosted productivity, heightened drive and increased confidence.
As well as improving individual career outlook, progression and fostering opportunities for growth can benefit a company on the whole, as employees are more motivated to excel when clear incentives are available, and when career advancement is at the forefront.
Tom Baxter, Account Management Director at Just Eat for Business at Just Eat for Business, comments:
“Career progression is an increasingly important aspect of work life for employees, particularly given the recent discussions around cost-of-living and people desiring a better work-life balance overall.
“Progression doesn’t always mean salary increases or promotions – the survey shows employees are just as keen to build upon their existing knowledge and enhance skills. Scheduling regular training, such as Lunch and Learns or catered workshops, is a great way to promote career development and increase employee interaction on a weekly basis.”
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.