More South Africans looking overseas for work
The number of South African workers looking to leave their employers has more than doubled to 36.2% over a three-month period – and the challenge for most firms will be keeping top performers from becoming flight risks.
This is according to CEB, a best practice insight and technology company, which noted that despite a depressed job market and unemployment at a 21-year high, more workers in SA are actively looking to switch organisations as a result of growing dissatisfaction with future career opportunities (71.7%) and total pay packets (69.9%).
Employees’ total compensation expectations also rose and are now twice as high as those in mature economies – CEB found.
“We’re seeing the workforce in South Africa growing restless and frustrated with their employers. The surge in job seeking signals more employees are prepared to switch organisations in order to gain better opportunities and pay,” said Clare Moncrieff, CEB HR Principal Executive Adviser.
“People are willing to apply themselves and want to work hard for their organisations but they want to be rewarded for their effort. The challenge for most firms will be keeping top performers from becoming flight risks.”
South Africa continues to be one of the hardest-working nations. It ranks fifth out of 40 countries surveyed by CEB with over three-in-10 (31.6%) employees going above and beyond in their roles. This is almost double the international average of 17.2%, which dipped to a four-year low this quarter.
While other countries have seen a drop in the number of employees putting in extra effort, levels in South Africa have risen by 4.6% over the previous year, bucking the downward global trend.
The most disengaged employees are those in China, Singapore and South Korea where workers are increasingly focused on planning their next career move and mentally “checking out” from their current roles.
As the workforce becomes less concerned with job security, it will be easier for external recruiters to tempt workers to consider new roles, whether they are actively looking or not. To safeguard their best and brightest talent, companies need to create rewarding environments that allow employees to develop and grow professionally.
“Pay continues to be front of mind for employees and jobseekers alike, employers need to ensure they are being realistic about the rewards and compensation they can offer,” said Moncrieff.
Global Talent Monitor data is drawn from CEB’s larger Global Labour Market Survey, which is made up of more than 20,000 employees in 40 countries.
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