More than half of Kiwis mull changing jobs - survey

Sunday Star-Times

NEW CAREER: More than half of New Zealand and Australian workers are wanting to change jobs, according to research by recruitment company Hudson.

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More than half of New Zealand and Australian workers are wanting to change jobs, according to research by recruitment company Hudson.

A survey of 2100 professionals across a range of industries found 55 per cent were either thinking about or ready to change jobs.

It also revealed major gaps between what job seekers want from prospective employers and what organisations are actually delivering.

The report said many employers were ignoring job seekers' needs and wants, despite the tight job market.

Instead, employers were blaming problems in attracting and retaining staff on low unemployment, the current skills shortage, an ageing population and the drain of talent overseas.

The research found that job seekers wanted companies to work harder at helping them get a better understanding of the work environment.

They wanted an opportunity to get honest answers to their questions during interviews, to talk to their potential colleagues, and even see the desk where they would work.

"During the final stage of the job search process, candidates tend to focus on the `what's in it for me?' question rather than the big picture," said Hudson New Zealand general manager Roman Rogers.

"Emotional benefits such as the company's culture are more important than, say, company size or its direction."

Companies which correctly invested in attracting and retaining staff would automatically have an edge over their competitors when looking for the right staff in a skills-short market, he said.

- NZPA