Companies are at war for talented workers

Employees are leaving jobs frequently today, which has caused a shortage of talent that has companies around the globe reeling.

According to a survey conducted by Citrix Systems, 40% out of 1,000 knowledge workers in the US have left at least one job in the past year or are considering doing so.

“It’s clear from our research that employees today are willing to jump ship for jobs that give them the freedom to do meaningful work from the location of their choice and provide equal opportunities to contribute and advance their careers,” Tim Minahan, Executive Vice President of Strategy, Citrix, said.

Employees are not freaking out

Workers are burned out and 35% of respondents to the survey say it has caused them to leave a job. When asked why they opted to move on, only 6% said they “panicked and made an emotionally driven decision.”

Meanwhile, 33% wanted to try something new and 13% saw it as a way to inject certainty into their future and regain some of the control they’ve lost during the pandemic.

Money is not everything

Salary and benefits are important but it is not inspiring workers to seek new roles. Among the participants surveyed who have changed jobs in the last 12 months, 53% took a pay cut and 60% joined startups and accepted equity in exchange for salary.

Flexibility is key

Today’s workers prefer flexible arrangements that give them the freedom to choose where they work best, whether at home, in the office, or on the road.

In the survey, 80% of respondents said it was “very” important that they be able to work from anywhere and 55% said they would accept a pay cut in return for the ability to do so.

Employee experience has never mattered more

Modern workers want to engage in innovative work, be productive and make meaningful contributions to the business that are valued without interference.

• 60% of workers polled left jobs for positions that provide more opportunities to innovate and try new things
• 38% were not engaged in or passionate about their former role
• 31% were frustrated by overly complicated technology and processes
• 47% believe they can do more meaningful work in their new roles

Fear of the digital divide is real

The global pandemic has made clear that remote work can boost employee engagement and productivity. But as companies shift to hybrid models, there is fear it will open a new digital divide.

“If left unchecked, hybrid models can quickly establish two classes of workers and infuse the workplace with inequity and bias,” Tim said.