Lack of work-life balance is the main reason for job changes
Since Corona, voluntary redundancies have increased at one in three companies. The reason: lack of work-life balance.
One in three employers (36 %) are currently recording more voluntary redundancies than before the pandemic. This is shown by the current labour market study by Robert Half, a talent solutions provider. Respondents cited difficulties in balancing work and family life (13 %) as the most important reason.
Other factors leading to voluntary job changes are concerns about job security (12 %) and the lack of prospects for salary increases or career opportunities (11 %). High workloads (11 %) and uncompetitive salaries (10 %) also lead to employees voluntarily leaving.
These are the top 5 reasons for quitting according to the 2021 Labor Market Study:
- Lack of work-life balance (13 %)
- Concerns about job security (12%)
- No prospect of salary increase/promotion (11 %)
- High workload (11 %)
- No competitive salaries/benefits (10 %)
In the 2019 job market study, the main reasons for quitting were still too low a salary and the lack of prospects for a position with an international focus. "The motives for changing jobs have changed significantly. The home office options introduced in the pandemic have not led to an improvement in work-life balance for all employees," says Eva Mahoney, associate director at Robert Half in Zurich. "In addition, the economic shocks have raised many concerns about job security. In addition, companies struggling with the impact of the pandemic restrictions are currently unable to offer salary increases or development opportunities. This is contributing to higher churn."
However, every voluntary termination causes costs and a loss of knowledge. Companies would rather keep their top employees - especially in times of a shortage of skilled workers. Therefore, active countermeasures are advisable.
How to reduce voluntary resignation of employees
Five tips from Eva Mahoney on how employers can reduce the risk of their employees voluntarily resigning:
Transparent internal communication
If employees are worried about their jobs and quit for this reason, there may also be a misunderstanding. The employee may think that the company is in a bad way due to the current framework conditions - although the real figures do not give any reason for this. This is where transparent internal employee communication can come in, providing information about the company's economic situation and openly stating its position.
Flexible working hours and remote work
Both improve the compatibility of family and career for many employees and contribute to a higher level of satisfaction in terms of work-life balance. In many professions, a high degree of independent work and free time management is possible. This scope allows for creative work and individual breaks for reflection.
Appreciation Express
Those who value their employees and give them the feeling of being important to the company shape the group feeling and the emotional bond. The same applies to a good working atmosphere - the feel-good factor plays a major role here.
Actively promoting employees
Employees who do not want to stand still but have goals are grateful for cooperative employee development. They feel noticed, important and supported.
Living values and corporate culture
Values and corporate culture also play a major role: flat hierarchies, co-determination and communication at eye level strengthen the potential for identification. It is important that the corporate mission statements not only have an image-building effect on the outside, but are also lived. Regularly reviewing this is an important management task.
About the labour market study: The study was conducted in June 2021 on behalf of Robert Half. In Continental Europe and the UK, 1500 managers with HR responsibility were surveyed.
