Workers Ready to Be on the Move

Workforce surveys are seemingly available on an almost daily basis. A new one from Kelly Services offers some interesting perspectives from workers on career paths and opportunties for growth.

Nearly half of respondents (47 percent) surveyed as part of the Kelly Global Workforce Index (KGWI) 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.

The KGWI examines issues of job mobility and career progression as part of a shift to a more autonomous and empowered workforce. The survey reflects a changing attitude from workers, with more seeking to gain new experiences and skills with multiple employers. Nearly 170,000 people in 30 countries participated in the survey.

In spite of the lingering uncertainty in the economy, more than half (62 percent) say that if they did change jobs, they would be in a good position to negotiate a similar or better position.

"We are seeing a shifting attitude on the part of employees who are increasingly embracing the idea of working for multiple employers as a way to gain a wider array of work experience and advance their careers," said Kristin Supancich, Vice President and General Manager of Canadian Operations for Kelly Services.

The survey shows that the idea of a career-for-life with one employer is regarded as important by 38 percent of workers, and those with professional and technical skills are less attracted to the career-for-life (37 percent) proposition compared to other workers (41 percent).

"Employers face the reality that even happy workers are actively planning for the next step in their career and that many are seeing the advantages of employment experiences with a more diverse range of organizations," Supancich said. "Employers need to consider ways to improve their development and engagement programs so that employees think twice before switching employers."