More than half of US workers, 53%, are open to leaving their employers, according to a survey by WTW (Willis Towers Watson). It also found that 44% said they actively looked for a new job during the fourth quarter of 2021 or were planning to seek new employment in the first quarter of this year.
WTW released the survey results last week. It included 9,658 US employees and took place between December 2021 and January 2022.
“The findings suggest that employees continue to job hunt at the same pace as last year and that the labor exodus is not yet over,” said Steve Nyce, senior economist, WTW.
“Employers remain under pressure as many workers seek enhanced rewards, more job security and different experiences,” Nyce said. “In many cases, employers are responding by boosting pay, enhancing health and retirement benefits, and offering more flexibility to not only find workers but also keep the ones they have from looking elsewhere.”
More than half of respondents, 56%, cited pay as a top reason they would look for a new job, according to WTW. The survey found 41% would leave for a 5% increase, and one in five employees would take a new job for the same pay.
Other important factors cited by employees as reasons for accepting a position elsewhere include health benefits, 39%; job security, 33%; and flexible work arrangements, 31%.
The survey also found that 58% of employees want to work remotely either most of the time or in a hybrid work arrangement.