41% Likely to Job Hunt Next Year, Pay is Most Important Criteria

A job search or career change is on the horizon for many US adults, according to the results of an American Staffing Association Workforce Monitor survey.

Forty-one percent of those surveyed said they are likely to look for a new job within the next year and 35% are likely to change careers. And 63% say pay rate/salary would be among the most important factors if they were to look for a change.

Survey results found a stark difference by race/ethnicity, with 64% of Hispanics/Latinos and 49% of Blacks/African Americans reporting that they are likely to look for a new job within the next year, while only 34% of whites/Caucasians have similar plans. Likewise, 50% of Hispanics/Latinos and 46% of Blacks/African Americans plan on a career change compared to 29% of whites/Caucasians planning to do so in the next year.

“In the midst of the Great Resignation, employed individuals as well as active job seekers are looking at new opportunities for higher pay and more flexibility,” said ASA President and CEO Richard Wahlquist. “If employers want to effectively compete in the war for talent, they’re going to have ensure their workers receive competitive compensation and that workplaces embrace flexible work schedules wherever feasible.”

The survey also asked what key factors were most important to them if they were looking for a new job within the next year. The top five results:

• Pay rate/salary: 63%
• Flexible hours: 37%
• Benefits/perks: 36%
• Option to work remotely: 25%
• Job duties: 22%

The study also queried about Covid-19 vaccinations and mandates: 61% reported they would rather work for a company that requires employees to be vaccinated against Covid-19 than a company without such a requirement. In particular, more than two-thirds of baby boomers, 68%, said they would prefer to work for an employer with vaccine requirements, compared with 59% of millennials, 56% of Generation X, and 55% of those in Generation Z.

The survey was conducted online within the US by The Harris Poll between Oct. 28 and Nov. 1, on behalf of the ASA. It included 2,042 US adults.

Original Article: https://www2.staffingindustry.com/Editorial/Daily-News/41-likely-to-job-hunt-next-year-pay-is-most-important-criteria-60021