More than three-quarters of UK workers know or suspect that colleagues are on the lookout for a new job, according to research from Investors in People.
The findings have prompted a warning to bosses to take steps now to improve employee motivation and safeguard productivity.
The research, which surveyed more than 1,600 UK employees, also says that one-fifth (19%) of employees are unhappy in their current job, with a further 33% feeling unsure and considering their future.
Itchy feet may be the result of this discontentment – nearly a quarter of staff say they expect to spend just a year or less in their job, with just under half (49%) planning to spend less than three years in their current role.
The job-hopping trend is also reflected in the finding that nearly one third (32%) of those questioned have had two jobs in the past five years, while 12% have had three.
Ruth Spellman, chief executive of Investors in People, said: “It’s clear that the days of collecting a gold watch for loyal service are long gone – today’s employees demand more from their employers.
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“For employers, continuing to motivate people at work is an ongoing issue. It is vital that they act now to tackle the underlying causes of why people want to move on.”
The key reasons for people leaving their jobs:
Better pay/benefits elsewhere (39%)
New challenges (33%)
Opportunities for career progression/promotion (28%)
Lack of recognition for current contribution (20%)
Lack of development opportunities in current role (20%).
