Employees Jump Ship in 2011

Expect 2011 to be the year of musical chairs as employees begin to jump ship for better employment opportunities.  The aftermath of a recession is employee disengagement.  Unfortunately, your key players won’t tell you they are dissatisfied until they are walking out the door.  As well-performing companies start to cherry pick top talent, it begins a chain of employee turnover events that will affect many companies.

72% of employers restructured or laid off employees since the recession began in 2008.  The effect has been a significant drop in employee commitment and loyalty.  Engagement has dropped 23% among top performers. 

And, in a recent Spherion Staffing Services survey, 45% of US workers indicated their relationship with their boss has been affected by the recession, of which 75% adversely.  Yet, it’s interesting to note in another study, “Emerging Workforce Study,” employers believe that only 14% of their workforce will leave, yet 31% of employees are likely to look for a new job in the next 12 months.

With these staggering statistics, it would be reasonable to assume that someone in your troops may be looking for greener pastures, and it might be long-term key employees. 

Perhaps there is no better time than now to start a proactive sourcing strategy so you are not caught unprepared when a key staff member jumps ship.

Written by:  Ann Clifford