Thirty-six per cent of Canadian workers are seriously considering leaving their organization at the present time, up from 26% in 2006, according to a new survey released by Mercer.
The What’s Working survey also found that 22% of workers are indifferent about leaving but increasingly dissatisfied with their employers. This group is yielding the lowest scores on key measures of engagement – an employee’s loyalty, commitment and motivation.
“This erosion in employee sentiment has business consequences that reach well beyond the direct costs of employee turnover,” said Madeline Avedon, principal, Mercer’s Human Capital business. “Diminished respect for and lack of confidence in an organization can undermine the innovation and productivity gains businesses rely on from their workforces.”
Key engagement measures are revealing a consistent decline among Canadian workers since 2006. Workers reporting getting a feeling of personal accomplishment from work has dropped to 68% from 80%; workers feeling a strong sense of commitment to an organization has dropped to 60% from 67%; and workers feeling pride in their organization has dropped to 67% from 72%.
The survey shows a correlation between performance management and a highly engaged workforce, noting that 62% of workers who received a performance review last year believe there is opportunity for growth and development with their company, compared to 42% of those who did not receive a performance review.
Calls to Mercer for comment were not returned by press deadline.
Jenny Wagler
Twitter: JennyWagler_BIV