Conditions are rife for job hoppers with latest official statistics showing a tight labour market fuelling competitive recruitment but according to management consultancy Woodhurst employers can hang onto staff by showing flexibility.
According to the latest Manpower recruitment survey, of the nine industry sectors surveyed eight are planning to take on staff in this quarter while the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development have predicted a tough 2005 with a tight labour market and upward wage pressure.
Raising salaries, however, might not be the key to staff retention say Woodhurst. Of the 250 UK professionals surveyed by the company, while 88% say they would move jobs for better pay, almost as many (84%) would move simply to achieve more flexible working hours.
Geraint Evans, Managing Consultant at Woodhurst commented:
“This survey reveals that the margin between the appeal of flexible working and more money is a lot narrower than many employers assume. The message is clear: offering your staff more flexibility in how they work, can be as effective a retention strategy as throwing money at the problem.”
Of the 93% in managerial roles, the average working week is 49 hours. Many indicated they find the long-hours culture a key motivator for job hopping.
Seventy-four per cent said they would seriously consider a ‘lifestyle change’, sacrificing money for a better ‘quality of life’ while among those with a partner or spouse, 69% are concerned about the impact of their working hours on their relationship.
Staff who enjoy a good work/life balance are less likely to job hop. Only 32% of respondents who have increased the amount that they work from home plan to move jobs within the next two years.
Related items
- CIPD forecast tough 2005 for employers
- Pay predictors point to 2005 wage boost
- Labour market tightens
- Recruitment expected to rise in New Year
