Based on insights from 1,000 Australians, Qualtrics research found out that men and other people aged under 44 years are more likely to look for a new job in 2022.
While the Qualtrics report found 40% of respondents plan to look for a new job next year, men were more likely to indicate they are looking to move compared to women (44% vs 37%).
Feedback from respondents aged under 44 also found these groups were more likely to be looking for a new job – 18-24 (53%), 25-34 (52%), and 35-44 (51%)
People are leaving for growth and wellbeing over salary.
The top two reasons respondents said they are looking for a new job were for more growth opportunities, and because their current job was too stressful. These were followed by salary, switching industries, feeling burnt out, and wanting more purposeful work.
Employers need to design tailored perks and policies
Flexible working hours and hybrid policies are the two perks that make employers more attractive to recruits, followed by mandated COVID-19 testing/vaccination, health and investment benefits, and home office reimbursements.
Having access to the best-in-class technology was another key attribute for employers.
In-person work matters to Gen Z. While employers rush to adopt hybrid policies, respondents under the age of 24 said in-person first work policies are the perk they find attractive.
Work-life balance, purpose, and connection are critical to retention. Having a good work-life balance was the biggest reason respondents said they plan to stay with their employer.
Finding purpose in work is why people have decided to stay, along with liking their manager, having good growth opportunities and being part of a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Communication key to long-term commitment
How employers communicate in the hiring process gives them a competitive advantage.
With many businesses looking for talent, being able to clearly communicate expectations to candidates will give employers an edge in the hiring process.
Feeling like their wellbeing is a priority, knowing the employer’s work policy, knowing the team and manager plus quick communications mattered to them in the hiring process
“An employers’ response to the current challenges in the Australian job market must be creating long-term, sustainable solutions that help them attract, retain and develop talent.”
“Doing so will be important for an organization to meet its hiring goals, and it’s crucial in helping address the skills shortage in the country,” said Steve Bennetts, organizational psychologist and Head of Growth & Strategy for Employee Experience at Qualtrics.
“The Qualtrics research facilitated outlining how people are making career decisions based on a multitude of factors and these factors are different for each individual.”
“Employers need a clear and constant understanding of what matters to their employees and candidates, and the ability to effectively deliver the experiences being asked for.”
“This strategic phenomenon will help employers to continually meet expectations to cultivate high rates of retention and attract people to the organization. Having access to growth opportunities was important to both people looking for new jobs, and those deciding to stay.”
“This willingness to learn and grow among workers in Australia must be cultivated and acted on by employers, and is an opportunity to close talent gaps by reskilling the workforce.”
“To do this effectively, employers need to work with their people to identify their goals and aspirations, and then deliver the programs and frameworks helping achieve them.”
The research was done in September 2021 with responses from 1,000 workers in Australia.
Qualtrics works with organizations including Atlassian and Telstra to manage their employee experience programs in Australia and supports almost 14,000 companies globally.
