Nearly 40 percent of workers across the UK who have quit their jobs or are thinking about it, say they feel unfulfilled, burned-out, or underpaid.
The survey, by the education software firm 360Learning however, found that instead of looking for better positions, more than half of those polled said they are or will be relying on savings to make ends meet.
Families and government benefits a source of support
Some of those deciding to quit, are being financially supported by their partners or family, while others use Universal Credit or retirement benefits.
One-third said they plan to start their own business rather than find another role, while almost a quarter want to go freelance, so that they have more control over their hours and are able to manage stress.
Lack of relevant training and growth opportunities cited as a major reason
More than 70 percent of staff say they may have been tempted to stay if they had received more relevant and engaging training.
Nick Hernandez, founder and CEO at 360Learning, said: “People are craving flexibility and knowledge, as well as the chance to learn with–and from–their peers. When people don’t feel like these needs are being met, they choose unemployment and rely on savings over staying in a job where they are unhappy.”
Many workers say they want to develop managerial skills, upskill within their role, take courses on how to grow within the company, and guidance on how to adapt to the changing nature of work.
Having children does not seem to affect the decision to quit
It does not appear to make much of a difference whether someone has children or not – nearly half of those surveyed were childless.
This shows that the factors behind leaving or wanting to leave a role are more multifaceted than simply childcare.
Health concerns, meanwhile were one of the smallest driving factors for quitting a job, with just 11 percent citing the pandemic as their reason for resigning, for example, because their bosses wouldn’t let them work remotely.
Employers need to rethink approach to work
The UK’s ‘quit rate’ is the highest since 2009, with redundancies at their lowest level since the mid-90s and open vacancies the highest on record.
The learning platform warns that without drastic changes in the approach to work, people are going to continue to leave their jobs, even without the security of a new one lined up, which could have disastrous effects for HR teams already dealing with the effects of ‘The Great Resignation’.
Feyaza Khan has been a journalist for more than 20 years in print and broadcast. Her special interests include neurodiversity in the workplace, tech, diversity, trauma and wellbeing.
