Australian workers list flexibility ahead of pay as the main factor keeping them from leaving their job in search of other opportunities.
The latest ADP People at Work report found more than one in three workers (38 percent) stated flexibility in scheduling as the leading reason they stayed with their current employer, ahead of pay for performance (25 percent).
ADP General Manager Australia, New Zealand, and Japan Kylie Baullo said the survey also found one in five workers (20 percent) cited the lack of opportunities as the main barrier to career advancement, with 13 percent strongly agree they would need to change companies to advance in their careers.
Ms Baulio said based on survey data from nearly 38,000 workers across 34 markets, about one in five workers globally (19 percent) stated limited opportunities were holding back their career progression.
“In Australia, 20 percent of workers cite this as their main barrier, underscoring that the challenge is both local and universal.”
She said other obstacles cited globally included a lack of desire to move ahead (13 percent) and limited time (12 percent), with fewer workers pointing to fear (5 percent) and lack of education (5 percent) as barriers.
“These findings suggest that motivation and visibility of career pathways matter more than individual skills gaps.”
Ms Baulio said the study also showed what kept Australian employees engaged and loyal, with flexibility the top reason, unlike global results, which put it behind opportunity for career advancement (45 percent) and professional training and skills development (36 percent).
“Flexibility has become a basic expectation for Australian workers, but it is not enough by itself. Employees also want to see clear career paths and opportunities to develop their skills.”
