Last month, 'In Queensland News' reported that Queensland has effectively 'run out of workers' as job vacancies soar and wage pressure grows, with Queensland hitting the threshold of people who are willing to step into the job market.

Job vacancies are now 54 per cent above the pre-Covid levels and the highest in the nation. According to National Skills Commission, job vacancies jumped 5 per cent to 229,000 nationally in September, and unemployment in Queensland fell to a 20-year low.

This has created a 'perfect storm' combining Jobkeeper stopping, no migration, lack of people from interstate, Covid restrictions on movement and the supply chain issues we see in the construction industry.

Hiring new employees to fill vacancies requires time and effort, and in this current employment environment, it can be frustrating. Whilst attraction and placement are essential, retention is crucial in this marketplace because when a company has a high turnover rate, this could indicate low employee satisfaction.

It is helpful for employers to find ways to keep their current employees satisfied and around. To do that, it is vital to understand the Top 10 Reasons Why Employees Leave:-

1.           Looking to live elsewhere

The recent lockdowns have been an intense reflection period, where besides financial reward, people are starting to consider how they want to live their life moving forward. Lifestyle, family, schools, how and where we live have come under scrutiny. Company culture, professional development, and career pathways are now considered an essential part of employee packages. With an explosion of opportunities now readily available, as in Queensland, this may be the opportune time to make a move.

2.           Needing a better work-life balance

Having a healthy work-life balance is now a crucial part of mental health and high performance. Having time for family, friends, sports and hobbies are now demanded by employees. If high demands and work pressures require you to work constant overtime, or you find that outside of working hours, your manager is always contacting you, this can begin to impact personal time and result in burnout. Looking for a new job that values an employee's personal time to rebalance life is high on the list.

3.           A misalignment of expectations

When you first start a job, the employer lays out all your benefits, perks and responsibilities. As the job evolves, it may look quite different from when you first started. This could mean that expectations have changed, some extras have been reduced or removed, that you're doing work you didn't apply to do, or doing much more than initially indicated. Some managers also micromanage staff, which can leave employees lacking a sense of autonomy and trust in their roles. Consistently feeling unsure about how your manager views your progress and effort is a common reason to look for a new job that values employee-manager relationships more and are clear on expectations and trust.

4.           Needing More Fulfilment

After working at the same job for a while, you start to know all of your tasks and responsibilities quite well. When there's little more to learn in your role, you may begin to feel like you are ready for more of a challenge. This is a natural part of growing in your career, especially as you learn new skills. If your current employer is limited in the number of promotions or learning opportunities they can offer, you may want to find an employer who has these resources. Having room to grow in your career is an integral part of feeling fulfilled.

5.           Feeling conflicted with workplace policies

Many employees enjoy a workplace that offers flexible scheduling. If you feel like your work policies make it challenging, many other companies provide such benefits. Likewise, you may find that your company's paid-time-off and sick leave policies don't align with your personal needs. These are all common reasons many people quit their job.

6.           Lack of Inspiration

What started as an exciting opportunity may eventually leave you feeling uninspired over time. Finding a new job is a great way to feel passionate about your work once again. Your current company may not have a clear vision, goals, mission or opportunity for you to do meaningful work. Or they may have them tucked away but are not authentically working towards them. Your next employer's values and mission must align with your own. This way, you can better understand how your contributions are helping the company meet its larger goals.

7.           Looking for more reward

When you feel like you're underpaid for the work you do, it may be time to move on to a new job. As your lifestyle changes or your family grows, you may decide that you need to make more money to afford your living expenses. Likewise, you may be ready to accept more responsibilities, and with that comes more pay. Similarly, as your experience and skillsets develop, these need to be rewarded adequately.

8.           Wanting to feel recognised and valued

Feeling replaceable at your job may make you search for a position where your efforts are appreciated more. It feels good to know your work is important and impact the success of the company. Sometimes you have out-grown the role you entered a company in can make this challenging since you have fewer responsibilities. Positive feedback and praise also are how managers can make their employees feel more valued. Working for a company that rarely gives you recognition can make it challenging to feel motivated each day. Quitting your job and finding one where they credit hard-working employees can make you feel more valued.

9.           Wanting a different work environment

Every company has a different kind of work environment. This could be the actual structure of the workplace, such as closed offices, an open layout or cubicles, geographic regions you travel in, or teams you look after. It can also refer to its culture, whether it is more casual, social or professional. You may want a job that offers you a work environment you feel the most comfortable working in.

10.         Seeking a more financially secure company

Things like budget cuts and limited resources can be challenging to work with. As your company experiences troubles managing its resources, including staffing and supplies, you may feel less secure in your role. Finding a job that offers fair wages, room to grow, reasonable hours, learning opportunities, and regular pay increases can help you feel more confident that your company is doing well financially.

RELATED POSTS:

7 Signs It's Time to Leave Your Job

Employing the 'Right' Person in Construction

CONNECT with us via our 

 or booking links on our website if you are looking to recruit for or land the ideal construction job.

#constructionrecruitment #construction-recruitment #successtogether #constructionjobsbrisbane