people2people Recruitment, Australia’s award-winning recruitment agency, released today findings from their recent polls revealing key insights into employee priorities for the year 2024. Conducted nationwide, the polls shed light on shifting trends in the workplace landscape, particularly regarding “flexiters”, work flexibility, work-life balance, and mental health.
“Flexiters” are employees leaving their job purely based on a lack of work flexibility. According to the survey, a staggering 55% of employees emphasised the critical importance of work flexibility, stating they would consider leaving their current job if it did not offer sufficient flexibility, including options such as remote work and flexible hours. Additionally, 20% indicated they would strongly consider leaving under similar circumstances.
Almost a quarter (23%) of respondents plan on requesting more work-from-home days, along with 13% desiring more flexible hours and notably, a further quarter of respondents intend to request both, underscoring the growing importance of work flexibility in the modern workplace. ”
Commenting on the findings, Catherine Kennedy, Managing Director of people2people Recruitment says, “It comes as no surprise that 3 in 5 employees are seeking more and more work flexibility. In the current market, with uncertainty shadowing the next few months, it might be hard for employers to match these expectations. However, in the long run, it is essential to ensure you remain competitive with other employers, or risk rising recruitment and training costs as a result of higher staff turnover.”
Despite the significance of flexibility, dissatisfaction persists, with 45% of respondents expressing dissatisfaction with their current level of work flexibility. This discontent is reflected in their future plans, as 1 in 4 employees intend to seek new job opportunities, with an additional 52% considering a change.
Moreover, the survey highlights a profound shift towards remote work, with over 35% of respondents planning to work from home more often, while 37% are content with maintaining their current arrangement.
When asked about their overarching priorities for the year, respondents emphasised the importance of achieving a better work-life balance, with 60% prioritising this aspect. Mental health emerged as a significant concern, with 25% of respondents ranking it as their top priority, indicating a growing awareness of holistic well-being in the workplace.
Catherine Kennedy says, “These insights underscore the evolving expectations of today’s workforce. As employees prioritise flexibility, work-life balance, and mental health, employers must adapt their strategies to meet these changing needs to attract and retain top talent.”
The survey also revealed that when considering factors such as work-life balance, mental health, salary, and learning and development opportunities, 36% of respondents cited work-life balance as the most important, followed by mental health (25%), salary and bonus increase (28%), and learning and development (11%).
people2people Recruitment’s insights & employee priorities for 2024: Work Flexibility:
- 55% of Employees may leave their current job over reduced work flexibility, (removal of remote work and/or flexible hours.
- 20 %of Employees may seek new opportunities due to insufficient flexibility.
- 23% of Employees desired additional WFH days, with 1 in 10 seeking greater flexibility, and 1 in 4 requesting both.
Current Satisfaction Levels:
- 45% of Employees are unsatisfied with their current level of work flexibility.
- 1 in 4 Employees plan to seek new job opportunities, with 52% considering the possibility.
Remote Work Trends:
- Over 70% of respondents plan to work from home.
- 35% desire increased remote work time, while 33% are content with the current arrangement.
Priorities for 2024:
- 60% prioritised achieving a better work-life balance.
- 25% highlighted mental health as a top priority.
- 28% emphasized salary and bonus increases.
- 11% value learning and development opportunities.
people2people is an Australasian recruitment company built on an established reputation for providing professional and personalised recruitment services since early 2005. At people2people recruitment, their focus is on identifying potential today to build careers and businesses of tomorrow. Recruitment expertise includes accounting & finance, business support, executive, government, human resources, legal, marketing & digital, property, sales, supply chain management and technology.
For further information or interview requests, please contact: Lisa Solomons @ 360 PR | e: lisa@360pr.com.au | p: 0416 175 518
