An increasing number of Brits, including umbrella company contractors, seek a better work-life balance, according to a recent survey by Robert Half International.
The recruiter’s survey discovered that 29% of HR executives in the UK believe work-life balance to be the primary motivation for employees to leave their current position.
The study was carried out in the last month of 2011 and the first month of this year, and more than 1,800 HR directors from across the globe provided input.
32% of HR executives in the UK said better pay was still the main reason why employees change jobs, but in London a better work-life balance came out top.
Phil Sheridan, the MD of Robert Half UK, explained that there has been much debate about work-life balance as an increasing number of employees look for a more even balance between their personal and professional commitments. Companies that want to retain their key talent should stop focusing solely on pay and consider flexible working and career development.
Across the globe, remuneration is still a key motivation for employees changing jobs. 58% of workers in Singapore and 52% in China think pay is the most important consideration. Employees in some European countries, such as Germany, Luxembourg and Holland, think career advancement is more important than remuneration.
Sheridan went on to say that 73% of HR directors in the UK are worried that some of their top employees could leave this year. A lot of workers no longer think that lucrative compensation and a “job for life” are good enough reasons to remain with a company long-term.
Employees want a diverse range of meaningful tasks, challenging assignments and a chance to develop their careers. Furthermore, they want a more balanced lifestyle. Companies that do not tick the majority of these boxes are in serious danger of losing key employees. The current trend to make counter offers to employees is only a temporary fix and an unmotivated employee will soon start to get restless again.
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