A new year means new beginnings, new opportunities, new resolutions, and for some workers, a new job. According to a new CareerBuilder survey, more than one in five workers (22 percent) are planning to change jobs in 2017, similar to last year (21 percent). Among younger workers, the numbers are even higher. More than a third of workers ages 18 to 34 (35 percent) expect to change jobs in 2017, compared to 30 percent last year. This compares to 15 percent of workers ages 35 and older.
The national survey—conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of CareerBuilder from November 16 to December 6, 2016, and included a representative sample of 3,411 workers across industries—found 35 percent of workers are regularly searching for new job opportunities, even though they’re currently employed, a one-point increase since last year (34 percent).
“Whether it’s unemployed people trying to find their way back to the workforce or those who are currently employed attempting an upgrade to greener pastures, a new year makes many people set their sights on job hunting,” said Rosemary Haefner, chief human resources officer for CareerBuilder. “To keep your top workers, you need to keep a pulse on what they’re seeking. For example, poll your employees from time to time to learn more about their goals and motivations and how they want to be treated.”
This Year I Will…
Aside from finding a new job, the top New Year’s resolutions that workers say they’re making for the office this year are:
- Save more of my pay: 49 percent (vs. 38 percent last year)
- Be less stressed: 38 percent (vs. 28 percent last year)
- Get a raise or promotion: 30 percent (vs. 26 percent last year)
- Eat healthier at work: 28 percent (vs. 19 percent last year)
- Learn something new (take more courses, training, seminars): 26 percent (vs. 17 percent last year)
When asked what extra perks would make them more willing to join or stay with a company, the most popular choices workers pointed to include:
- Half-day Fridays: 40 percent
- On-site fitness center: 27 percent
- Being able to wear jeans: 23 percent
- Daily catered lunches: 22 percent
- My own office: 22 percent
Conclusion
The resignation of a valuable employee can have a detrimental and far-reaching effect on an office. Don’t be blindsided. Instead, use your employees’ goals and dreams to fulfill your own New Year’s resolution of building a strong practice by engaging, supporting, and retaining your top staff.
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