Post-summer blues expected to create job-hunter surge

Majority of workers more likely to think about changing jobs after the holidays

The pathway into the job can sadly be problematic due to flawed recruitment processes within the corporate sector

Newsdesk What's Hot, Friday 02 September 2016 Jump to Comments(0) 3,114 Views

Despite July and August being quieter months for recruitment, companies across the UK should be ready for a job hunter surge in September, as over half (57.1%) of workers reveal that they are more likely to consider a new job as the summer comes to an end.

In fact, according to data from CV-Library, September 2015 saw a 13.2% increase in candidates registering their CVs, while job applications also soared by 7.5%. The job site’s latest research, suggests that the jump is expected to happen again this year, as many workers look to explore new opportunities as a result of the typical post-summer-blues.

Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library, comments:

“We’re entering a traditionally busy time in recruitment, so it will be interesting to see how the job market favours, especially given recent concerns in the economy. Post-summer labour market activity always tends to improve, as more people return from their holidays. During this period last year, for example, we saw job creation rise by 17%, and we’re hopeful that we’ll witness a similar increase again this year.”

According to the research, 70.1% find it difficult to get back into a routine after a summer holiday, with nearly three quarters (72.3%) admitting that it takes one to two days to adjust to work post-holiday. Other key findings from the study of over 2,200 UK workers include:

Over half (55.8%) think that workplace morale drops as the summer comes to an end and 86.9% said it’s an employer’s responsibility to keep morale up BUT, 79.4% stated that their employer does not make allowances for post-summer blues.

Biggins continues:

“It’s clear that the post-summer blues can get Brits down, with many struggling to readjust to the working day. Implementing a robust process which helps to ease people back into work post-holiday is extremely important.

“Our research tells us that employees feel much better if they have an update meeting on return, followed by time to catch up on emails and projects, as well as speaking with team members and having enough time to create a priority list.

“Ensuring you accommodate these needs can help workers feel more positive about their return to work after a summer break and may prevent employees looking for work elsewhere.”

The research found that workers find the following factors most difficult about returning to work after a summer break: