Majority of Kiwis still looking to change jobs
Despite the impact of an increasingly globalised recession, almost two-thirds of New Zealanders in the workforce still intend to look for a new job in the next year, according to a new international study by workforce solutions company, Kelly Services.
The Kelly Global Workforce Index surveyed nearly 100,000 people in 34 countries, including over 3,000 workers in New Zealand. The global survey was conducted in early 2009.
According to the survey, 64% of New Zealanders intend to look for a new job with another organisation within the next year. The findings place New Zealand about mid way in the list of 34 countries, with Italians the most likely to look for another job (78%). The effect of the international economic crisis is most strongly felt in the US, with 60% of workers planning to hang on to their job for the next year – the highest number of people planning to stay in their current position in this survey.
Kelly Senior Director and Country General Manager Steve Kennedy says – given the current environment – the results are somewhat surprising.
“However, they reflect a range of responses to the present employment market,” says Steve Kennedy. “Some people believe their skills are still highly sought-after, even in the present economy, while others may be looking for ‘safe-haven’ roles, or even preparing to move as they believe their current position may be under threat.”
“Although some employers may be faced with the prospect of downsizing, attracting or retaining the best staff can be an even greater issue in a recession, as the right employees are so vital to the continued success – and even survival – of a business.”
“We’re also seeing companies introducing a total salary freeze, rather than a hiring freeze, enabling them to still take on people with the particular skills they need, now and in the future.”
“For employers, these results can be seen as both a concern and an opportunity, because in any market, the best talent is still highly sought after and can still be very mobile.”
The survey found that New Zealanders had the greatest level of dissatisfaction with their career development across all countries, with 55% feeling their career goals were not being met in their current job, followed by Australians on 53%.
“This could also be a reflection of the current situation, as people believe their progress through an organisation might be constrained by the economy, or as firms are forced to cut back on career development funding and programmes,” says Steve Kennedy.
However, Kiwis still take a great deal of pride in their work, ranked ninth in the survey, with 90% stating their work gave them a sense of pride, ahead of the USA, ranked 10th and Australia, ranked 12th.
“The survey paints quite a complex picture of how Kiwis view their jobs, showing that in response to the current economic situation, our focus should be not only on keeping people employed, but also ensuring our best and brightest talent are engaged and fulfilled by their work,” says Steve Kennedy.
“As part of what is now a global market for employees, we need to make sure working in New Zealand is the right option for employees – especially as we prepare to fight the effects of the recession and position ourselves for a recovery.”
The Kelly Global Workforce Index 2009 also highlighted that workplace satisfaction does not necessarily mean more money for New Zealanders, with 53% of respondents – higher than the global average – willing to take on a lesser role or a lower wage if they felt their work contributed something more important or meaningful to them, their organisation or their community.
“Even when times are tough, providing rewarding work – not just financially, but also in terms of career development and a meaningful contribution – is vital in keeping the best people focused on being the most productive,” says Steve Kennedy.
“We believe it’s our Kiwi talent at work that will make the greatest difference to how New Zealand responds to the global economic crisis.”
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For further information, please contact:
Victoria Bennett Gerard Blank
Marketing Manager The Agency Communications Ltd
Kelly Services (New Zealand) Ltd Tel: +64 3 341 5841
Tel: +64 3 363 5322 Mob: 0275 243 629
Mob: 027 213 0613 Email: gerard@theagencynz.co.nz
Email: victoria_bennett@kellyservices.com