Two in five employees say they would stay in their current job if their employer showed greater care towards their mental wellbeing.
This is one of the key findings from research from life insurer MetLife UK, which also shows more than half (59%) of employees admit they will now start looking for a new job if their work values aren’t accommodated.
The third chapter of MetLife’s Re:Me report also found that over half (54%) are considering leaving their current role in the next 18 months.
While pay continues to be ranked most important (65%) factor for employees considering moving on, job security was cited by almost two in three (62%) employees and nearly two in five (39%) employees report they would remain with their current employer if their boss demonstrated more care for their mental wellbeing.
Commenting on the findings, Adrian Matthews, EB director at MetLife UK, said: It’s clear that employees’ values and priorities both personally and professionally have changed as a result of the pandemic. A chance to reflect and step back, 2021 has the possibility to be the year that businesses re-shape the world of work. Everyday it seems another business is setting out their plan to head back to the office or introduce a new hybrid working model but talking isn’t enough anymore.
“Employees who feel that their needs are not being met are showing that they are not afraid to look elsewhere for the support they need from an employer, striking a better work life balance for them and their families. While a certain amount of change after such a life changing year is inevitable employers can’t afford their best talent to walk away, especially in cases where they could have done something to stop it. Pay and job security will naturally remain the main motivators, but demonstrating care for an employee’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing will play an important part in guaranteeing an employee’s loyalty for the long term.”
Separate research released by the insurer today, reveals 68% of workers admit that Covid has actually improved their productivity
This was reported most strongly by employers at SMEs and by employees aged between 18-29 and older women (50+).
While productivity has increased for many, 32% admit that the same can’t be said for them.
Two in five (41%) employees reported that their mental wellbeing has impacted their productivity levels and 33% say worries about their personal finances have affected their productivity levels.