Unhappy at work? Over 60% of employed SAns are actively job hunting - research paper

Are you one of what seems to be a growing number of employed South Africans who are unhappy in their jobs?

Online job board Pnet reveals that a whopping 61% of employed people are actively job hunting.

Their data reflects a growing frustration, says Michelle Dobson, caused by a feeling of being overworked, underappreciated and/or stuck.

"We can see it firsthand at Pnet because we're getting more jobseekers activating their profiles, an increase in searches, or people quietly signalling that they are open to offers by making their profiles visible."

Michelle Dobson, Head of Brands - Pnet

Job hunting doesnt begin when people start searching for new opportunities but a bit before then, states Dobson, when they feel there's a disconnect between what they want and what they currently have in their jobs.

No one particular industry stood out - it's a case of people in general feeling dissatisfied, she says.

A Gallup poll they highlight indicates an average 23% engagement rate.

"This means that only 23% of workers are saying they actually feel motivated or valued in their roles. Disengagement is really switching off  - we've become familiar with the term 'quiet quitting', a feeling of just going through the motions and still collecting your pay cheque."

Michelle Dobson, Head of Brands - Pnet

Dobson also reflects on how the COVID pandemic led to many people re-evaluating what makes them happy - take a listen in the interview audio at the top of the article