'Australians feel undervalued and unsupported in their current roles'
The number of Australians who are looking for a new job surged in 2025 amid frustrations that they aren't supported and valued enough amid cost-of-living challenges.
Perkbox's survey among 1,031 Australian employees found that 61% of workers are looking for new work this year, much higher than the 48% in 2024.
Doug Butler, CEO of Perkbox, attributed this looming exodus of employees to "workplace frustration."
"As we head into 2025, it's clear that many Australians feel undervalued and unsupported in their current roles," Butler said.
According to the report, 37% of Australians in Perkbox's survey said their employers have yet to offer assistance with cost-of-living challenges. Another four per cent said their employer has discussed it with them but is still waiting for further actions.
The findings come as nearly three in four Australian employees felt their wages had grown slower than prices in the previous year, according to a report from the Centre for Future Work.
Source: The Australia Institute - Centre for Future Work
Grocery prices have been cited as the most visible cost-of-living increase by 60% of the respondents. This is followed by utilities (21%) and transport (7%).
The report, which was released last year, noted the cost-of-living challenges in Australia stem from two key factors: the incomes people receive and the prices they pay for goods and services.
"Action to protect the living standards of Australians must address both faces of the crisis," the report read.
Source: The Australia Institute - Centre for Future Work
Perkbox's findings indicate that some employers have been taking steps to address cost-of-living challenges. Nearly a quarter of employees said their employers implemented the following actions:
However, 60% of employees said a salary review or higher remuneration would encourage them to stay. Getting rewarded and recognised at work emerged as the second-highest factor, according to the Perkbox report.
"Employers can improve positioning with their people by offering more personalised support for financial, physical, and mental wellbeing," Butler said. "Furthermore, by recognising and rewarding hard work companies can better retain their talent and create a more motivated workforce."
And while employees wait for their employers to offer support, some of them have been taking matters into their own hands by working extra hours to help make ends meet.
Perkbox found that 30% of Australian workers have taken on additional work shifts or an extra additional job to increase take-home pay.
This is aligned with Robert Half's findings last year, which noted that 46% of Australians are considering a second job to keep up with the cost of living.
"This trend reflects the economic pressures many Australians are facing, with high living costs prompting them to seek additional sources of income," said Nicole Gorton, Director at Robert Half, in a statement.
Gorton said employers must delve into the reasons why employees are taking on extra work.
"While there is a myriad of potential benefits of a multi-skilled workforce like bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table, organisations need to ensure they are providing salaries and benefits in line with industry standards to not only retain their staff but to create a supportive culture," she said.