The leading business experts at www.britishbusinessexcellenceawards.co.uk undertook a comprehensive survey looking into employment trends among UK workers.
The survey focused on evaluating the mood and perceptions of the current UK workforce – analysing any trends that could answer why so many appear to be switching jobs. The results highlight the current unease amongst employees, providing insight into what are currently the biggest issues facing a worker in the UK today.
The study consisted of 2,440 UK adults aged 18 or over who are in full-time employment, across a spectrum of all major industries. According to the survey, a significant 61% of employees are either actively (27%) or casually (34%) looking to leave their current role. The survey collected responses from a diverse range of industries and job roles, ensuring a comprehensive and representative sample.
Below are the top five reasons that employees are currently considering leaving their current role. Respondents were encouraged to select all that apply:
- Lack of work-life balance – 73%
- Low salary – 71%
- The death of hybrid (being forced back to the office) – 64%
- Negative culture – 54%
- Poor employer ESG commitments – 39%
The survey also revealed that over three quarters (76%) of employees want to work for a company who will actively support their mental health – an aspect that is growing in importance for many, with recent projections suggesting as many as one in six suffer with mental health issues.
Another significant finding of the survey came down to the issue of burnout – with a staggering 91% of respondents claiming to have experienced burnout over the last year at work. Burnout at work refers to a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress in the workplace. It is characterised by a sense of overwhelming fatigue, decreased motivation and reduced productivity.
The impact of these concerns is evident in the job market, with vacant job roles sitting at 1,051,000 according to ONS data. This surge in available positions reflects the shifting dynamics in the employment landscape as workers actively seek employers who align with their values and offer favourable work-life balance arrangements. It also signifies the growing demand for companies that prioritise ESG commitments and demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability.
Sarah Austin, director at www.britishbusinessexcellenceawards.co.uk, said, “These findings send a clear message to organisations across the UK: attracting and retaining top talent requires more than just competitive compensation and career prospects.
“Companies must prioritise work-life balance, foster positive workplace cultures and showcase robust ESG commitments. By doing so, employers can create an environment where their staff thrive, in turn enhancing employee satisfaction and retention rates and position themselves as leaders in their respective industries.
“The study’s results serve as a call to action for organisations to reevaluate some practices and make strategic changes to meet the evolving expectations of the modern workforce.
“Companies that prioritise work-life balance, foster positive workplace cultures and demonstrate strong ESG commitments will be well-positioned to attract and retain top talent, drive innovation and achieve long-term success in the dynamic and competitive business landscape.”
