According to research by Robert Half UK, a specialised recruitment consultancy, 29 per cent of UK office workers are considering moving jobs within the next year.
Over a third (39 per cent) of employees cite an improved work-life balance as the main reason to move jobs, 38 per cent desire higher remuneration whilst 32 per cent want flexible hours.
The main reason for moving jobs differs when looking at different age groups of employees.
The employees that are most likely to change jobs are those aged 16 to 24, as 38 per cent of this group are considering moving jobs within the next year. This is in comparison to just 28 per cent of employees aged over 35.
When considering the reason why workers may change jobs, 16 to 24-year-old employees say the desire for a better work-life balance (41 per cent) and further career advancement (40 per cent). However, those aged over 55 cite higher remuneration (38 per cent) for their main reason to change jobs in comparison to only 17 per cent of those aged between 16 and 24.
Generally, UK employees feel confident about moving jobs, as just under a third (32 per cent) believe their skillset will be more desirable in the months to come whilst one in three believe that they will receive multiple job offers with competitive remuneration.
Matt Weston, managing director at Robert Half UK commented:
The UK is a nation of job hoppers with employees taking full advantage of the current war for talent to find their ideal role. We are seeing a number of employers surprised that their staff are finding opportunities elsewhere and some are resorting to counteroffers as a last ditch attempt to retain their employees.
The skills that driving demand are highly specialised and they are unlikely to attract top candidates without offering a competitive benefits package. Our research shows that this must include non-salary benefits such as flexible working and training and development opportunities.
With the talent dilemma showing no signs of slowing down, companies need to act fast to secure their preferred candidates. Having a strong employer brand and offering candidates ways to work happy will prove vital to winning the war for talent.
Monica Sharma is an English Literature graduate from the University of Warwick. As Editor for HRreview, her particular interests in HR include issues concerning diversity, employment law and wellbeing in the workplace. Alongside this, she has written for student publications in both England and Canada. Monica has also presented her academic work concerning the relationship between legal systems, sexual harassment and racism at a university conference at the University of Western Ontario, Canada.
