Australian workers say economic downturn won’t prevent them searching for the ideal job
3 March 2009
More than half of Australian workers say they intend to look for a new job within the next year despite the economic slowdown, according to a new international workplace survey.
A total of 59 per cent say they will seek a new job with another organisation within 12 months. Baby boomers are the most restless with 66 per cent planning to switch jobs.
More than half the respondents say they are prepared to accept a lower wage or a lesser role if their work contributes to something more important or meaningful.
The survey, by global workforce solutions company Kelly Services, found that 55 per cent of people will forego income or status to do something more meaningful, with Generation Y (18-29 year olds) the most willing to make such a sacrifice.
The Kelly Global Workforce Index sought the views of nearly 100,000 people in 34 countries including approximately 13,000 in Australia.
Kelly Services Managing Director, James Bowmer says a significant number of people are actually prepared to give up some of their salary and their position if they can do something that is important to them and their organisation.
“They place value on work which is personally satisfying, which builds competence and self-belief, and which helps to advance long term career goals."
“Even in the face of an economic slowdown, there are still a significant number prepared to change jobs to fine more engaging work,” Mr Bowmer says.
The survey demonstrates the value of work in building pride and self confidence, and highlights the differing views across the generational divide.
Amongst the key findings of the survey:
- 57 per cent of Gen Y are prepared to forego salary and position for more meaningful work.
- 54 per cent of Gen X (30-47) say their career goals are not being advanced in their current job.
- 66 per cent of baby boomers (48-65) plan to look for a new job within the next year.
The findings explode some of the stereotypes about Gen Y workers who are typically portrayed as footloose and impatient. Rather it is Gen X and baby boomers who are most dissatisfied with their career choices, and who plan to change jobs in significantly larger numbers.
Across all the generations, females are more likely to be concerned about meeting their career goals, while more men plan to change jobs.
While many survey respondents have reservations about the real value of their work, the vast majority perform their tasks to high personal standards. More than 90 per cent say that the work they perform gives them a sense of pride while 85 per cent say it raises their self-confidence.
James Bowmer says the findings highlight the importance of employers helping to bring out the best in their workforce by tailoring work that is engaging, stimulating and which encourages people to learn new skills.
“Employees’ aspirations will change markedly over the course of a career so it is important to recognise the things that are important at each stage in order to build and maintain a motivated, stable and high-performing workforce,” Bowmer concludes.
About the Kelly Global Workforce Index
The Kelly Global Workforce Index is a survey revealing opinions about work and the workplace from a generational viewpoint. Results of the current findings from across Kelly’s global operations in North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific will be published throughout 2009 in a series of six releases.
Media contact:
Bob Bowden
Foresight Communications
Tel: 02 9241 2811
or 0412 753 298
bbowden@bowmac.com.au
