32% of Employees Seriously Considering Quitting Their Jobs

Employee loyalty is dropping around the world, according to new global analysis of Mercer’s What’s Working™ survey. The research, conducted among nearly 30,000 employees in 17 geographic markets between the fourth quarter of 2010 and the second quarter of 2011, shows that the percentage of workers seriously considering leaving their organization has risen since the last time the survey was conducted in each market (between 2003 and 2006 prior to the economic downturn).

In many markets, the increase is 10 percentage points or more. In the US, the increase was 9 points, from 23% in 2005 to 32% in 2010. (See Figure 1.)

“For US-based multinationals, these findings are concerning, as lackluster engagement is no longer just a US phenomenon,” said Mindy Fox, a Senior Partner at Mercer and the firm’s US Region Leader. “Widespread apathy and high turnover can be detrimental to an organization’s business performance, especially in the difficult economic environment we’re experiencing as companies are looking to drive productivity and efficiencies.”

According to Pete Foley, PhD, a Principal at Mercer and North American Employee Research Leader, “The overall employment deal is in a state of flux around the world, with employees rethinking what they want out of the employment relationship. Our research shows that, despite the ongoing economic uncertainty, more employees would consider leaving today for a better opportunity.”

The survey analysis also shows shifting views on other workforce issues that affect engagement. Worldwide, views on pay and performance issues generally improved, while views on employee benefits generally declined. By market, views were mixed on subjects like career opportunity and leadership.

What motivates employees?

The global analysis also reveals that nonfinancial factors play a prominent role in influencing employee motivation and engagement – a finding that could prove useful to employers facing budget constraints. Workers worldwide say that being treated with respect is the most important factor, followed by work/life balance, type of work, quality of co-workers and quality of leadership.

Among financial factors, base pay ranks highest globally, at sixth out of 13 factors. It ranks as the top factor in just one market (Hong Kong) and among the top three most influential factors in four other markets – China, India, Italy and Singapore.

While other financial factors, such as benefits and incentive pay, can be important to other aspects of the employment deal – such as attracting, retaining and rewarding employees – Mercer’s research shows they are considered less important by employees when it comes to their day-to-day motivation and engagement at work.

“Employee engagement reflects the total work experience, and a big part of it is how you are treated, what kind of work you do and how you feel about your co-workers, bosses and the general work environment,” said Colleen O’Neill, PhD, a Senior Partner at Mercer and the firm’s Talent Leader in the US and Canada.

“Without a doubt, financial factors like pay and benefits are a vital part of the employment deal, especially in the US, but employers need to consider and manage the full range of factors to ensure that their workforce is engaged,” Dr. O’Neill explained. “When financial resources are limited, organizations can leverage these nonfinancial factors to effectively boost employee commitment and productivity.”

Results by region

Mercer’s research shows that the factors most important to motivation and engagement vary by region:

• Americas – In addition to the global top five nonfinancial factors – respect, work/life balance, type of work, quality of co-workers and quality of leadership – working in an environment where employees can provide good service to others ranks highly in importance in North and South America. Base pay ranks as the most influential financial factor. (See Figure 2.)

In the US, the importance of financial and nonfinancial factors closely mirrored the global findings. Two areas of note that scored higher than the global average were benefits and working in an environment where you can provide good service to others. Areas below the global average for US employees included learning and development opportunities, promotion opportunities and incentive pay/bonus.

• Asia Pacific – Results for this region are less consistent by market compared to the Americas and Europe. Being treated with respect and quality of leadership are cited by employees as most influential to their motivation and engagement at work. Australia shows the widest variation in influence of factors, while financial factors (base pay, incentive pay and benefits) and career-related factors are much more influential in China compared to other markets in the region and globally. (See Figure 3.)

• Europe – Results for the seven European countries included in Mercer’s survey show striking consistency. Nonfinancial factors (being treated with respect, work/life balance, type of work and quality of co-workers) are considered most important to employee motivation and engagement at work. (See Figure 4.)