PHILADELPHIA, PA – April 10th, 2018 – For recruiters and companies looking to hire and retain employees in a climate of low unemployment and an acute skills shortage, knowing why employees may choose to entertain other job offers is critical. According to a new survey of more than 800 employed U.S. adults conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of Yoh, a leading international talent and outsourcing company and part of Day & Zimmermann, better benefits (50%)—e.g., paid time off, healthcare options, 401(k)—and a flexible work environment (42%)—e.g., working from home, having a better schedule—were the top reasons, excluding money, that employed Americans say they would leave their current job for a new one.
Results found that just 15% of employed Americans say they would not leave their current job for any reason, indicating that a significant majority of people are open to a job change if the right offer came along. In short, other than the possibility of higher wages, the promise of better benefits (50%) and a flexible work environment (42%) would encourage a number of Americans to listen to other job offers.
A larger proportion of employed women than men would consider leaving their current job for a flexible work environment (44% vs. 39%), and a higher-level position may be more important for employed men as they are more likely to cite leaving for this reason than women (40% vs. 30%).
“As a specialized recruiting company, we see this first-hand every day. Those with top skills have choices, and these findings indicate that benefits and workplace flexibility offerings should be clear and compelling when speaking with a prospective candidate about a position,” said Emmett McGrath, President of Yoh. “It is absolutely critical that recruiters identify early in the process each job seeker’s desires when considering a new role, and pair them with opportunities that fit their specific career and lifestyle needs.”
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Braithwaite from March 27-29, 2018 among 816 employed U.S. adults ages 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Joe McIntyre at joe@gobraithwaite.com.