The findings, which surveyed 2,000 UK professionals, found that four in 10 workers also want to move companiesNew research from CV-Library, the UK’s leading independent job board, reveals that nearly half of Brits (44.6%) say learning new skills is their main career priority right now, beating both a pay rise and a promotion.
The findings, which surveyed 2,000 UK professionals, found that four in 10 workers also want to move companies, gain a new qualification and get a new job title in the next 12 months. The full list of career priorities includes:
- Learn new skills (44.6%)
- Get a pay rise (43.5%)
- Move to another company (40.1%)
- Gain a new qualification (24.3%)
- Get a new job title (22.7%)
- Change job roles (19.7%)
- Get a promotion (17.2%)
- Change industries (13.1%)
- Work for themselves (12.4%)
- Build a personal network (8.9%)
What’s more, only 28.4% of Brits believe they can meet these career priorities with their current employer, as nearly two-thirds (64.1%) say they employer isn’t responsive to their needs. As a result, a staggering 83.2% of Brits plan on changing jobs in order to achieve their dreams.
Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library, comments: “It’s alarming to see that so many professionals believe their employers aren’t responsive of their needs and don’t offer the opportunities they so blatantly desire. That’s why it’s so important to have regular catch-ups with your employees to find out what you can do to help them reach their potential within your company and accommodate their needs.
“What’s more, the topic of career progression shouldn’t be avoided. In fact, you’ll build stronger relationships and increase your retention rates if you’re more open with your employees and keeping your staff happy is essential for productivity.”
The survey also asked respondents what their top career goals are for the next three and five years, with the trend of getting a pay rise (44.5% in three years and 43.3% in five) and learning new skills (36.3% in the next three years and 34.1% in five) remaining a top priority.
Biggins continues: “Of course, salary will always be fairly high on an employees’ list of priorities, but it’s positive to see that this is consistently joined by the desire to learn new skills. We know that there is a skills shortage in the UK right now, with many employers struggling to fill their roles with the talent they require. As such, upskilling your teams should be a high priority – whether that’s through internal or external training.
“At the same time, as well as focussing on goals for the next 12 months, be sure to use annual reviews to discuss your employees’ career goals over the next three to five years too. This will give you an idea of where they see their job heading, while also enabling you to think about succession plans and building your talent pipeline.”
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