Quarter of workers seek new jobs for better work-life balance, finds Totaljobs

The equivalent of more than four million workers (11%) are seeking a new role, up from 8% two years ago.
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A recent study by Totaljobs has highlighted that 25% of UK workers have started to search for new jobs to achieve a better work-life balance.

The equivalent of more than four million workers (11%) were seeking a new role, up from 8% two years ago.

Nearly half (49%) of workers ranked work-life balance as their top concern when choosing a new job or employer, with 66% stating that they would forgo a pay rise in favour of flexible working hours.

Financial concerns remained a significant factor for 59% of those surveyed, with workers seeking an average pay increase of 13%.

However, a pay increase in line with inflation was the most common reason employees would choose to stay with their current employer.

The research also showed a rise in job mobility, with two-thirds (66%) of workers open to relocating for the right job.

A fifth (21%) would consider moving elsewhere in the UK for new jobs, while another fifth (23%) would consider relocating within Europe, and 22% were open to moving further afield.

While January traditionally sees a spike in job-seeking activity, Totaljobs research shows that 31% of workers planned to pursue new opportunities later in the year.

A quarter (25%) of employee turnover in the past year was linked to stress, burnout, or other mental health issues, showing the need for employers to prioritise employee wellbeing.

Julius Probst, labour economist at Totaljobs, said: “The UK labour market has returned to balance after two years of overheating in 2021 and 2022.

“Vacancies continue to decline, and employment growth remains sluggish.

“Worker turnover is currently low, and there are concerns that the policies introduced in the Autumn Budget may impact the hiring outlook.

“The Bank of England should continue its easing cycle to avoid further stifling the labour market.

“On the bright side, real wages of workers are growing at a healthy rate, supporting household consumption and the economy.”

Zarah Choudhary

Zarah Choudhary is a Reporter for Workplace Journal and The Intermediary

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