With unemployment figures at a record low, falling below four per cent for the first time since the mid-1970’s , job seekers should feel they have the pick of roles that will fulfil them most – but according to a study by global recruitment specialists Michael Page, that’s not the case.
Instead, the nation’s workforce has become immobilised by apathy, with 50 per cent of employees saying they would like to change career if they had the opportunity, but more than half of those doing nothing at all to try and improve their career prospects.
The number one barrier to seeking a new role is political instability and economic uncertainty, the study of 2,000 workers showed. In fact, as a result of the volatile current political and economic climate, just 16 per cent said that now would be a good time to change career.
Whilst there has been great focus on the impact the UK’s recent political turmoil, from Brexit to the impending change in premiership, is having on businesses, it seems the real blows are landing with employees.
Collectively, political and economic factors are paralysing British workers.
Nick Kirk, UK Managing Director, Michael Page commented: “A high proportion of workers are unhappy in their careers but feel constrained and unable to change their career paths because of factors beyond their control. As a result of this, we risk creating a generation of workers who are trapped in roles they don’t enjoy, or that don’t suit their abilities. We spend more time at work than anything else, so it’s essential to find employment that fulfils us.”
With three quarters of respondents saying their career forms a part of their identity, Michael Page encourages workers to find work that suits their skill set and fulfils their passions. It has partnered with FindMyWhy to create bespoke ‘Selfie Reports’, a tailored psychometric report that helps employees to determine the working standards and ethos they should strive for. The reports identify individuals’ values, preferred ways of thinking and behaviours, as well as their workplace drivers and attitudes to wellbeing, helping to clarify what they should be looking for in a career.
Kirk continued: “As a nation, we have a strong talent pool which we should be embracing. We should encourage workers to find the role that appeals to their interests and plays to their strengths. Ultimately, this will deliver benefits for both individuals and businesses. If economic uncertainty is a concern for many, let’s focus on the potential economic benefits of creating an engaged, motivated and talented workforce.”