More than half of all workers believe switching employers key to career growth: survey
by Canadian Manufacturing Daily Staff
49 per cent also say they actively look for better opportunities even when they are happy in a job
TROY, Mich.—A new global workforce survey finds a growing number of workers believe switching employers is crucial to career growth.
Conducted by employment workforce solution firm Kelly Services, the Kelly Global Workforce Index (KGWI) survey found more than half (53 per cent) of respondents believe believe that in order to develop their skills and advance their careers, it is more important to change employers, rather than remain with their existing employer.
In spite of the lingering uncertainty in the economy, 69 per cent of respondents say that if they did change jobs, they would be in a good position to negotiate a similar or better position.
According to Kelly Services, the survey reflects a changing attitude from workers, with more seeking to gain new experiences and skills with multiple employers.
As a sign of the new sense of self-reliance and autonomy seen in today’s workforce, nearly half of all workers (49 per cent) say that even when they are happy in a job, they actively look for better job opportunities or evaluate the job market.
The results also show almost three-quarters 70 per cent consider work experience with multiple employers to be an asset to their career growth and advancement, while the idea of a ‘career-for-life’ with one employer is regarded as “relevant” by only 31 per cent of respondents.
Employees with professional and technical skills are less attracted to the idea of a career-for-life with one employer (28 per cent) than other workers (35 per cent), according to the KGWI.
The KGWI examines issues of job mobility and career progression as part of a shift to a more autonomous and empowered workforce.
Nearly 170,000 people across all generations in 30 countries participated in the current survey.
