Why do most employees change jobs every 5 years: HR manager perspective

On average, a modern UK professional of today is likely to spend less than 5 years in single job, according to research by life insurance firm LV=.

This, say some HR professionals, is largely down to the fact that employees don’t look at their careers the same way they used to. Changes in mindset, perceptions, and preferences mean that the professionals of today have different career goals.

People no longer believe in spending their entire career at one company. The days of spending 40 or 50 years with one employer and then retiring with a pension and gold watch are long gone and there are a number of reasons for this. Employers do not show the same kind of loyalty towards their employees as they once did and layoffs and downsizing are common occurrences in the fragile economy of today.

And in many cases, it doesn’t make much economic sense today for employees to be committed to one employer for many years on end. With annual raises and increments hovering in the region of 3 per cent, it is much more lucrative for people to switch jobs rather than make do with such small increases. That means staying at the same job for many years may cost people thousands with no real guarantee of security.

Reasons for switching jobs

There are many reasons that are likely to prompt an individual to change jobs or take their career into a whole new direction, which are often a results of changes of the modern workplace. Some of most common ones include:

• Better salaries
• More attractive perks and other benefits
• Relocation to a more suitable geographic location
• Career growth and learning opportunities
• Better work culture and less stressful environment
• Escaping the clutches of a toxic and negative boss
• Healthier work-life balance
• Company restructuring and reorganisation
• Changing career interests
• Layoffs and downsizing as a result of lean times or a merger/acquisition
• More interesting and exciting daily work routine
• More engaging work
• Poor fit between the skills and abilities of a person and the job
• Not enough recognition for accomplishments and commitment to the job
• Better connection between organisational goals and an individual’s personal values
• Outsourcing of particular job functions by a company

There is clearly considerable amount of time and energy is spent on transitioning from one role to another. With job changes becoming so common, it is more important than ever for professionals to be good at networking and job hunting. A successful modern professional is someone who is up-to-date on all the prevalent trends in their industry and is also highly skilled at sourcing and getting in touch with potential new employers.

The work dynamics of today have prompted people to be proactive in their careers and not get too comfortable in their jobs. Uncertain futures mean that they need to be on their toes all the time and always be on the lookout for better opportunities so as to grow and progress in their careers.

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