Making the right move: job hunting or job improving?

How people view success in their career has changed dramatically over the years, with salary goals becoming less and less important for overall job satisfaction. A survey conducted last year showed that twice as many professionals valued enjoying what they did over earning a high salary. More recently, new research from Aon showed that 97% of employers agree that employees expectations of their workplace are changing – with top priorities including flexible hours, mental health and diversity.

With this turn in employee focus, it highlights the need for companies to be doing as much as possible to support and encourage well-being, progression and enjoyment within the work place. But this responsibility isn’t just on the employer alone. Employees can also ensure that they’re getting the most out of their roles too, well before they begin to consider moving from a role.

The following are some key elements to consider in increasing employer job satisfaction and avoiding staff turnover:

Having personal development plans in place

Having a personal development plan discussed and agreed with a line manager is a great way to make sure employees are on track with where they want to be, short and long term. This is useful from not just a career progression point of view, confirming steps needed for promotions etc, but to closely monitor and put in place goals for improving job fulfilment.

Have regular 1-2-1s with a line manager

Regular communication with a line manager in a 1-2-1 format can be extremely useful for employee well-being and job satisfaction. These types of sessions are invaluable, allowing honest and professional catch ups on how employees are feeling in their role, what they’re enjoying and what could be improved. It’s also useful for raising any issues or concerns and to put action plans together to help with anything discussed.

Discuss flexibility within your role

If looking for a new job is triggered by a lack of flexibility within your current role, because you’re working how you always have done and assume that nothing will change – make sure to raise any requests with your line manager to check first. Levels of flexibility can be varied depending on who you work for, although options for working from home occasionally and flexible hours are becoming more and more common.

Being involved in CSR

Being part of company CSR can be a great way to improve job satisfaction outside of your standard responsibilities. You get the opportunity to step outside of the day to day and involve yourself in being part of improving yourself, other team members and the community.

If you’ve explored all of the above and are still set on looking for your next job opportunity, don’t hesitate to get in touch.