A significant number of Australian workers are feeling overworked and undervalued, with more than half of local employees looking to move roles this year.
According to LinkedIn’s Workplace Confidence Index Australian workers are feeling uninspired and unsupported in their current roles but are confident in being able to secure at least a comparable job at a different company.
This is despite global economic turmoil, looming recessions and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The data showed that nearly three in five Australian workers, or 59 per cent, are considering finding a new job in 2023, and 56 per cent of them are confident in doing so.
The statistics identify a stark gap between employees’ confidence and belief in their skills at work compared with how they feel they are valued by their company.
While nine in 10 of those surveyed depressed confidence in their abilities at work, two-thirds said that they feel overworked and undervalued at their current job, and that this is contributing to them not feeling personally committed in the role.
More than 65 per cent said they do not feel like their current employer is invested in them.
The pandemic has motivated workers to look for more from their employers, LinkedIn career expert Cayla Dengate said.
“Australians are not putting their careers on the backseat despite the uncertain environment, and are instead driving forward, trusting their abilities and looking to grow their careers,” Dengate said.
“Since the pandemic it’s clear professionals have built up a bank of resilience and we’re seeing this in their confidence to tackle the year ahead.
“Many are still looking for a job that works for them, with a wage that matches their value and a role that offers work-life balance and flexibility.”
More than one in five of the workers surveyed also feel confident in finding a better position than where they are currently, while 43 per cent are confident in finding a new job in general.
For those intending to leave their current employment, 40 per cent are doing so for more money and 31 per cent for better work-life balance.
The concept of a four-day work week, where an individual is paid the same amount for working one less day per week with the same level of productivity, is picking up steam around the world.
A number of Australian companies are currently taking part in a trial of the concept, while Unilever recently announced the largest trial of the initiative in the country, with 500 employees taking part over 18 months.
According to the LinkedIn data, this offering would incentivise some people to stay in their roles, but perhaps not as many as would be expected.
The survey found that 35 per cent of workers would be more inspired to stay at their current employer if they were offered a four-day work week.
Those looking to find a new role should look at how their skills are transferable, Dengate said.
“Job seekers are being intentional in their search and are taking steps to recession-proof their current roles by learning new skills or brushing up on existing ones,” she said.
“While no one can predict how things might change, for those looking to make a change in 2023, look at how your skill set may be applied to other roles, as this could open up additional opportunities and roles.”
The LinkedIn data backs up another recent report which found that Australian workers are feeling burnt out and overwhelmed at work, but that they can’t take their accrued annual leave due to a number of reasons.