Flexibility, work-life balance important – and many will ask for pay raise
The benefits enjoyed during the pandemic remain on top of Australian employees' considerations when taking the next step in their career, according to a new report.
Randstad's latest Workmonitor found that 48.3% of employees would quit if their job prevented them from enjoying life, while 41% said they would leave if their employer didn't consider their request for better conditions.
These expectations are also factors they consider when choosing their next employers, according to the report, which surveyed 35,000 workers in 34 markets across Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Americas.
It found that 56.6% of Australian employees would not accept a job if they thought it would impact their work-life balance. It also discovered that 83.2% of the respondents are putting premium on flexible working hours in terms of what they look for in their next roles.
"Australian workers are giving clear indications about what they are looking for: job security, better work-life balance, and flexibility," said David Owens, Managing Director at HR Partners by Randstad, in a statement.
"Ultimately, the businesses which step up expectations during tough economic conditions will reap the rewards in recruitment and retention when times are easier."
The findings on employees' preferences come as the report sees "comparatively stronger" employment confidence among Australian employees when compared against workers elsewhere.
According to the report, only 26.8% of workers in Australia are concerned that they may lose their job, much lower than the 52% registered global average.
"While Australian employee confidence is comparatively stronger than the global average, as talks of recession ramp up, a sense of vulnerability will creep into the market," Owens said.
This is indicated by the 24.2% of respondents who are taking on or looking for another source of income as the cost of living continues to go up. Another 20.1% said they are planning to increase their hours at their current job, while 38.6% plan to ask for a salary increase.
Another indication is the concern of potential jobseekers of being the first one out when they transfer to an employer that would get hit by economic pressure, according to Owens.
"Employers need to consider what they can do to minimise this risk, otherwise it will make attracting talent harder and more expensive," he said.
