When asked why they left their most recent role, people said they were unhappy with the culture (56 per cent), felt undervalued (46 per cent) and didn’t find work fulfilling (44 per cent). “The top four reasons cited for leaving are often intertwined. People feeling overworked and undervalued may be laddering up into disillusionment around the culture and their day-to-day experience of how the business operates,” said Matt Tolich.

The survey found 40 per cent of respondents said they left because of burnout, an increase of 16 per cent on the previous year. “With a stretched economy, it's easy, and sometimes necessary, for businesses to ask more from staff - but staff are also feeling the weight of the economy in their personal lives as well; so this pressure can really take a toll,” said Matt Tolich. “With higher interest rates, the impact of inflation seen in higher costs of living, it’s harder for people to feel like they are getting ahead.”

The burnout and culture figures come in spite of 84 per cent of employers saying they are prioritising workplace culture in order to retain staff. “This suggests a bit of disconnect between what employers are offering and what employees might be experiencing,” said Matt Tolich.

“For employers looking to improve culture and hold onto talent, it’s worth talking to staff and asking their views. This is where engagement surveys can be valuable in providing insights into employee experience. Examining company values and behaviours can also help to focus on improving culture, as well as looking at individual job design, and the training and career progression employees are telling us they really want.”

Job Market Insights Report | 2024

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