Australian employees less inclined to look for new job: survey

'There is now a shift towards long-term satisfaction in the workplace'

Australian employees less inclined to look for new job: survey

The preferences of Australia's workforce seem to be shifting to long-term satisfaction in the workplace and less to finding a new employer, according to a new report.

A survey by Humanforce among 500 Australian employees found that nearly 60% have little to no interest in changing jobs within the next six months, IT Brief Australia reported.

According to the report, the survey also found that while nearly half of the respondents switched jobs, 40% of them reported lower job satisfaction than anticipated.

"Our data indicates that after a few turbulent years where high numbers of employees jumped ship to new employers, there is now a shift towards long-term satisfaction in the workplace, where wellbeing and stability are paramount over quick financial gains," said Holly Barnes, chief people officer at Humanforce, as quoted by IT Brief.

Demand for work-life balance strong

This shift is also reflected even from those who left their organisation, according to the report, as 54% of them said their motivation is better work-life balance and wellbeing.

Nearly all respondents added that overall employee value proposition (EVP) had an important role in their recent career move.

"This trend challenges the traditional belief that higher wages are the foremost concern for Australian workers, particularly during economic downturns," Barnes said as quoted by IT Brief.

"Our research findings suggest that workers are instead placing greater value on whether their workplace is a good fit for their overall lifestyle and if it affords them the flexibility they require."

She added that employers who recognise this shift for wellbeing and stability, as well as act on them, by offering high-quality EVP will "set themselves apart as employers of choice."

"Businesses are urged to complement their needs of driving organisational growth, profitability, compliance confidence, and productivity with a genuine focus on their people. Give employees control and flexibility over their working life with easy access to their rosters and payslips. Ensure that they feel heard and really feel part of your company," Barnes said.