41% Looking for New Job in 2022; 35% Likely to Change Careers (Biggest Factors: Pay & COVID Policies)

Posted by: Karen Booher on December 14th, 2021

As we all know, it is easier to keep a customer or client than to find a new one. In the current employment climate of the Great Resignation, this also holds true for employees. As 2021 concludes, it’s important for companies to reflect on what they are doing to retain their valued workforce.

An American Staffing Association (ASA) online survey* conducted recently by The Harris Poll offers some staggering statistics:

• Just over four in 10 U.S. adults (41%) have said they are likely to look for a new job within the next year. Showing a stark difference by race/ethnicity:
  • 64% of Hispanics/Latinos and 49% of Black/African Americans are likely to look for a new job within the next year
  • Only 34% of Whites/Caucasians plan to look for a new job
• 35% are likely to change careers. The percentages of this statistic by race/ethnicity is:
  • 50% of Hispanics/Latinos
  • 46% of Blacks/African-Americans
  • 29% of Whites/Caucasians

Pay Is Most Important for Potential Job Seekers

When asked what key factors were most important to them if they were looking for a new job within the next year, 63% of U.S. adults said that salary (or pay rate) would be among their most important decision-making factors, while 37% cited flexible work hours, and 36% said benefits/perks. The ability to work remotely is important for 25% of U.S. adults.

As said by President and CEO of ASA, Richard Wahlquist, “In the midst of the Great Resignation, employed individuals, as well as active job seekers, are looking at new opportunities for higher pay and more flexibility. If employers want to effectively compete in the war for talent, they’re going to have to ensure their workers receive competitive compensation and that workplaces embrace flexible schedules wherever feasible.”

How Employees Feel About COVID-19 Vaccinations and Mandates

The study also revealed that 61% of U.S. adults say they would rather work for a company that requires employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 than a company without such a requirement.

By generation, those percentages are:

• 68% of Baby Boomers say they would prefer to work for an employer with vaccine requirements
• 59% of Millennials
• 56% of Generation X
• 55% of Generation Z

By race/ethnicity, percentages of those likely to seek out jobs with employers without a COVID-19 mandate:

• 24% of Blacks/African Americans
• 19% of Hispanics/Latinos
• 11% of White/Caucasians

*This survey was conducted online within the U.S. by the Harris Poll on behalf of ASA between October 28 and November 1, 221, among a total of 2,042 U.S. adults age 18 and older.

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Source:

ASA Staffing Today, December 9, 2021. “Show Them the Money: Pay Is Most Important for Potential Job Seekers“, by American Staffing Association.