Dive Brief:
- Better benefits and more flexible work schedules could entice many workers to leave their current jobs, a new Yoh survey shows. The survey, which polled 800 adults, found that 50% of the respondents would leave for better benefits, including paid time off, 401k plans and healthcare options. Forty-two percent said they'd jump ship for a flexible work option, like remote work.
- Roughly a third of respondents said they'd make a move for a higher-level position, a better company culture or a shorter commute.
- Just 15% of respondents said they wouldn't leave for any reason, indicating that a significant majority of people are open to a job change if the right offer came along, Yoh said.
Dive Insight:
Attracting and retaining skilled employees is more critical now than ever, thanks to low unemployment and skill shortages. HR leaders and recruiters need to know what factors could lure employees away — or drive them out — of their current positions.
Many large and deep-pocketed companies have been competing for talent and loyalty by offering the trendiest benefits. But as the Yoh survey and other studies show, gyms, beer and game rooms don't have enough serious appeal to draw employees away from their current jobs. Instead, real competition appears to be driven by the work structure itself; flexibility and remote work are popular options that are also changing how companies hire, manage and promote workers. Health benefits are also near the top of the list, as they become more personalized, focusing on high-touch and holistic approaches to employee care.
There is no "magic bullet" to employee engagement, however. At the end of the day, employers must take the time to listen to their employees through a robust feedback program to understand what keeps them around and what drives them away.
