1in4 forecast to move job in 2014

1 in 4 forecast to move job in 2014, can present a huge challenge for business, particularly more so, when it happens at senior levels.

A recent CIPD labour market survey, in association with Halogen, is saying that 1 in 4 people (24% – reporting at a 2 year high for the UK) will consider changing employment over the coming 12 months (during 2014). This is very much a reflection of the reduction in job security fears which arose as a result of recent economic downturn in the UK market. Certainly, given last week’s economic results here in Ireland, we may well also be facing a similar situation in people’s attitude to changing employment.

What does this mean for businesses, particularly at the more senior management levels? As a more fluid market occurs, it is great news as an encouraging indicator of a general confidence in an economic upturn over the coming months – good news for both the UK’s and Ireland’s (UK’s largest trading partner) continued economic recovery.

Of course, there are a number of provisos that need to be considered. Not everyone who considers moving will actually do anything about it and even of those who do, not all will be successful in making the career change. However, even allowing for these factors, employers are still facing the prospect of a large number of employees moving.

At another level, it does indicate a lot more movement in terms of people and teams within companies and all the difficulties and challenges that that can bring, particularly at senior levels. As movement happens in companies in upper levels, this can create major disruption in strategic planning and direction, as well as tactical execution. A knock-on effect can be the spiral to other (lower) levels within the organisation.

Another finding in the survey suggests the increased importance of progression management – processes that help people understand that their career is progressing with the organisation. 66% of those surveyed cited this as important. A lack of progression planning could increasingly be seen as presenting an incentive for people to seek alternative employment. Work/Life balance also continues to poll high – over the 60% mark.

It would suggest that a broader view needs to be taken in terms of what people consider as part of their package of benefits. It seems to be more than just about offering the highest salary. Perhaps something that the broader ICT sector, here might consider.