Heavier workload and fear of overwhelming change – more than 1 in 4 employees consider changing jobs
25 June 2024
Diegem, June 25, 2024 - The number of employees considering a change of jobs is rising. The latest Hopes & Fears survey conducted by professional services provider PwC gathers input from 56,600 employees in 50 countries including 1,000 Belgian respondents. The findings show that employees feel they’re facing heavier workloads and experience a great deal of change in the workplace. However, this change is not universally perceived as positive – half of respondents, both in Belgium and globally, feel that too much change is happening at once. "Companies need to be aware of the impact that change has on the workplace and their employees. Guiding employees and addressing changes step by step is essential," says Axel Smits, Chairman of PwC Belgium.
To assess employee expectations in the workplace worldwide, professional services provider PwC conducts a global ‘Hopes & Fears’ survey every year to gather feedback – both positive and negative – from employees on a wide range of themes, including skills, trust in their employer and the work environment.
This year’s global and local findings reveal that employees increasingly feel they’ve experienced a heavier workload and a great deal of change in the workplace in the last 12 months. According to respondents, these changes have been diverse: from new technologies (70%) and team structures (66%) to new job responsibilities (60%). While almost 3 out of 4 (73%) are eager to adapt to new ways of working, 52% feel that too many changes are occurring simultaneously. In addition, 45% of Belgian respondents don’t understand why change is necessary, and nearly half of respondents (47%) question the impact that change will have on their job security.
Dissatisfaction with leadership
Among Belgian respondents, there is also increased dissatisfaction with company leadership. For instance, more than 1 in 4 respondents in Belgium say their employer does not genuinely listen to nor value them, as compared to 1 in 5 at global level. Additionally, 21% of Belgian respondents believe their employer does not possess the right skills to manage change effectively.
Axel Smits, Chairman PwC Belgium, explains: "In our rapidly evolving world, change is inevitable across all aspects of business, particularly on the workfloor. Employers and employees alike must adapt to new technologies, new methods of working and a shifting workplace culture. To effectively guide their teams, employers need to invest in their workforce and work culture to cultivate an open, flexible environment in which employees can excel in their roles and make a greater contribution. Companies should also plan for the future by developing the essential skills their employees need and desire.
Gain new skills to stand out in the job market
Almost 3 out of 10 respondents are seriously thinking of switching jobs in the next year. This is a trend that continues to rise year after year (2022: 19%, 2023: 25%). On the other hand, results show that 75% of employees are moderately satisfied to very satisfied with their jobs.
Personal growth driver for changing jobs
As seen in the survey, changes in the workplace also require employees to learn new skills. Although 6 out of 10 respondents in Belgium believe their employer provides sufficient training opportunities, it’s precisely this desire for personal growth that has become an important driver for changing jobs. Having the right skills is becoming increasingly important to stand out in the job market. In addition, 50% of respondents believe that the skills required to perform their jobs will change in the next 5 years.
Serafine Vandebuerie, Partner, People Related Services at PwC Belgium adds: “Technology is fundamentally transforming the way work gets done and the types of skills employers are looking for. As a result, employees are placing greater value on organisations that invest in their skill development, enabling them to stay relevant and thrive in a digital world. In turn, businesses must be proactive in their upskilling programmes—prioritising the employee experience and maintaining transparency. When you meaningfully engage with your workforce, your people themselves become a catalyst for successful transformation.”
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About the Survey
In March 2024, PwC surveyed 56,600 individuals across 50 countries and territories who are in work or active in the labour market. The sample was designed to reflect a range of industries, demographic characteristics and working patterns. You can read the full report on pwc.com.
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