A recent survey conducted by Acuity Training has unveiled that one in ten individuals in the UK has never remained with the same employer for more than a year.
The study, which involved over 2,000 participants across the country, aimed to determine the longest duration people have stayed in a position with a single employer.
The findings indicate that the average longest tenure with a single employer stands at 10.1 years.
However, this number increases to more than 15 years among individuals aged 55 and over. In contrast, the figure drops significantly for those in London, where a staggering one in five residents has never stayed with the same employer for more than a year.
Interestingly, Google UK witnesses approximately 40,000 monthly searches for “resignation letter template,” suggesting a considerable number of individuals contemplating job changes.
One of the notable statistics is that 5.15 percent of people aged 35 to 44, who have likely spent a significant portion of their careers in the workforce, have never remained with a single employer for more than three months. Additionally, 12 percent of individuals within this age group have not surpassed the one-year mark with any employer.
Ben Richardson, representing Acuity Training, commented on the implications of these findings, stating:
“The average longest employment tenure in the UK is 10.1 years, primarily influenced by individuals over the age of 55. While we cannot prevent staff turnover entirely, it is crucial for employers to create an environment where employees feel motivated, well-treated, and provided with opportunities for personal growth.”
These findings shed light on the changing landscape of employment patterns, influenced by factors such as the gig economy and diversification of income. While some turnover is inevitable, the responsibility falls on employers to nurture a supportive work culture that encourages employee loyalty and retention in a highly dynamic job market.
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.
