Report: SA Employees Want to Change Jobs During the Pandemic

In view of the global COVID-19 pandemic, a late 2020 Kapersky report seeking to find changes in employees’ working habits found that 44% of SA employees are still considering changing jobs in the next twelve months, despite uncertainty in the job market.

“Whether switching jobs, re-training or up-skilling, many employees are now galvanised to use this time to unlock new opportunities,” revealed the “Securing the Future of Work” research, which included thousands of participants from South Africa, employed by SMEs.

Financial incentives and better-paid jobs were, understandably, at the top of the list for those actively looking for their next career opportunity. Still, employers should not dismiss the significant shift in employees’ ambitions and desire to have more flexibility and freedom in their careers, moving away from the traditional workplace.

According to the report, the following were the main motivating factors behind the surveyed employees’ decisions to jump ship in the current pandemic:

• 57% of employees would switch careers for a higher salary to provide for their families’ comfort under difficult financial circumstances.
• 44% would leave their current job for a position that offers a fair work-life balance and the chance to organise work schedules around their personal lives, such as a remote working role.
• 43% of employees would like to pursue a more meaningful and worthwhile role, following a time of reflection and new skills learned during the lockdown period.
• 33% would change jobs to reduce the stress of working overtime and have more time to spend with their families, further their studies or follow personal interests.
• 26% would give up their current work to pursue a new job opportunity that may suit them better, primarily for enjoyment.

“At the top of the benefits employees are looking to keep is spending more time with their family, followed by saving money, and being able to work from anywhere,” added the commissioned research.

Accustomed to the reality of lockdown and remote working, the highest proportion of employees wanted a flexible working structure moving forward, where they continue to work mostly from home but can regularly visit the office.

Businesses were encouraged to adapt fast to remain secure, resilient and productive in the next post-Covid-19 working reality, thus supporting work flexibility and employee up-skilling, and further accelerating digital transformation.

Click here to read the full “Securing the Future of Work” report.

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Professional Sourcing can assist with the recruitment process during and after the pandemic. Our team has a strong reputation for recruitment expertise within our specialisation areas. Visit prosourcing.co.za for more info.

Professional Sourcing can assist with the recruitment process during and after the pandemic. Our team has a strong reputation for recruitment expertise within our specialisation areas.

Professional Sourcing can assist with the recruitment process during and after the pandemic. Our team has a strong reputation for recruitment expertise within our specialisation areas. Visit prosourcing.co.za for more info.

Professional Sourcing has a strong reputation for highly developed recruitment expertise within our specialisation areas. We develop strong long-term relationships with our loyal clients. Allow us to help you deal with your frustrations of a lengthy hiring process.

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