With an increasing percentage of US employees exploring new job opportunities, a study indicates that the "war for talent" has begun afresh and employers should brace for workforce changes in the year ahead.
According to the 'Workplace Insights' survey by workforce solutions provider Adecco Group, workers of all ages are starting to think about or are already exploring new job opportunities. "This trend indicates that a 'war for talent' has begun and that employers should brace for workforce changes in the year ahead," the survey stated.
According to the survey, Generation Y (in the age group from 18-29 years) is the most ready for change in the year ahead. In fact, the percentage of Gen-Y workers looking for new jobs in 2010 has more than doubled to 30 per cent from 14 per cent at the end of 2008.
More than half (51 per cent) of workers plan to go to (or already have gone to) a job interview as the economy begins to recover, the survey revealed.
"In the recent past, we've alluded to the likely impending arrival of a renewed 'war for talent' – a time when job opportunities will rebound and ultimate control will shift from employer to employee," Adecco Group North America Vice-President of Training and Development Rich Thompson said.
"The findings indicate employees' mindsets have started to shift – they are ready for a change after riding out one of the worst recessions in American history and open to new opportunities," Thompson added.
The survey also found that 30 per cent of Generation X workers (in the age group of 30-50 years) and 22 per cent of Silent Generation workers (aged 61 and over) have also given interviews or plan for it in the year ahead.
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Moreover, about a quarter (26 per cent) of workers are saving more money for potential unemployment than they used to. In addition, 42 per cent of Silent Generation workers are delaying retirement plans as a result of the economy.
The survey cautioned employers that they should focus their efforts on retention for the months ahead and encourage employees currently in transition to consider temporary employment as way to try out a new career.
The survey was conducted online within the US by Harris Interactive on behalf of Adecco among 2,222 employees aged 18 and older.