Security over satisfaction: Why so many South Africans are clinging to jobs they hate

More South Africans are staying in their jobs even when they’re unhappy, according to a new ManpowerGroup global talent survey.

The trend, known as “job hugging”, is indicative of a workforce choosing security over satisfaction, say experts.

South Africa's unemployment rate is one of the highest in the world and currently sits around 32%, so opportunities remain scarce.

Lyndy van den Barselaar, Managing Director of Manpower South Africa, said low staff turnover may look positive on paper, but it often masks disengagement and quiet job searching.

“People are holding onto their jobs out of pure necessity for security, at the same time looking for new opportunities."

Van Den Barselaar said that with rising food, transport and housing costs, many employees feel they simply cannot risk leaving a stable income behind.

Fear of retrenchments, restructuring and a slow-growing economy is also making workers want to take fewer risks in the job market, she adds.

"They rather just hang on to their jobs and then look for new jobs should the opportunity arise."

Workers are staying at a company not out of loyalty but out of survival, notes Van Den Barselaar.

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Experts warn that while employees may be physically present - disengaged staff are typically less productive.

There has been a notable rise in 'quiet quitting' where employees stop going above and beyond and only fulfil their specified job requirements.

It's a dynamic that can quietly have a negative impact on an organisation, said Van Den Barselaar.

"Those people are physically there but mentally they've checked out, they've disengaged, so the organisation where they're currently staying, then starts to stagnate because they're sitting with a load of people who don't want to be there."

Van Den Barselaar said employers need to prioritise career development, skills investment and trust-building, so workers feel safe to grow instead of simply clinging to their roles for survival.

To listen to Lyndy van den Barselaar in conversation with Africa Melane, click audio below