Mixed Survey Results Raise Concerns about Retention Efforts

A new Randstad study has clearly demonstrated the muddled world of employee engagement and how it may befuddle retention efforts. The research from the HR consulting firm showed that 75 percent of employees feel inspired to do their best while 66 percent feel they are valued and their efforts recognized by their employers.

But a different picture is painted when questioned about future career plans. Employees planning to explore other job opportunities jumped six points over a three-month period rising from 45 percent in Q1 2012 to 51 percent in Q2. Additionally, 58 percent of workers said that their career had stalled and would be difficult or impossible to repair.

Regarding employee attitudes towards the Randstad survey found the following:

• 75 percent are inspired to do their best at work

• 73 percent are proud to work for their employer

• 69 percent enjoy going to work

• 66 percent feel their efforts are valued and sufficiently recognized

• 64 feel their employer shares their personal values, and

• 62 percent trust their leaders to make good decisions.

But while 61 percent of employees said they plan to continue with their current employer throughout their career, the survey also uncovered mixed feelings towards the future:

• 51 percent plan to explore new employment options once the job market recovers

• 50 percent say that need to change employers in order to grow their careers

• 50 percent say the recession and its after-effects has affected their career plans, and

• 41 percent say the tightened job market has led them to feel “left behind” in their careers.

In the words of Jim Link, HR director at Randstad: “Companies will lose top talent now if they don’t address employees’ fears around stalled career growth due to the economy.”