That was one of the issues explored in a recent study by online jobs board CV-Library, which surveyed some 1,200 workers.
Around three-quarters (74 per cent) of respondents felt that job hopping is now more acceptable than ever. The proportion increased to nearly nine out of ten respondents under the age of 18 (87 per cent).
Nearly two in three 18 to 24-year-olds (65 per cent), and 47 per cent of all survey participants, said it was acceptable to leave a job after less than a year. The most common reason for workers to believe it’s acceptable to change jobs regularly is that if a better opportunity comes along, you should take it.
Other common factors in people switching roles include:
Almost a third (32 per cent) of employees said they anticipate having more than ten jobs over the course of their working lives, while 21 per cent felt it is unrealistic for companies to expect staff to stay with them for more than two years.
On the other side of the debate, a third (33 per cent) of workers said anyone who leaves a company after less than a year hasn’t given the job a chance, while 29 per cent said quitting after a short period looks bad on a CV.
Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library, said: “Though some believe that job hopping looks unprofessional, many workers across the nation are seeing the benefits, with the majority agreeing that it is becoming more acceptable.
“It’s interesting to note the generational gap, with younger workers more likely to job hop than their elders, suggesting that this trend could continue to grow as the next generation enters the job market. As a result, businesses need to ensure that they’re doing all they can to retain talented employees.”
How can firms encourage loyalty?
If your business wants to build a sense of loyalty in its workforce, one of the most important things is to engage with your staff and find out what they really want from their job.
For many people, flexibility and a positive work/life balance are extremely important. It could prove beneficial to commit to these concepts by offering flexible options such as remote working, adjustable hours and job-sharing.
Businesses can also show their dedication to agile, innovative ways of working in their office environment, possibly by using shared business space or adopting methods such as hot-desking.
It’s important for people to feel that they are always evolving and making progress in their professional lives, so providing regular training and skills development opportunities is another strategy that can have a big impact on staff satisfaction and loyalty.
Posted by Julie Tucker
Image courtesy of iStock/AntonioGuillem
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