Well, with my pay review still due, I have been searching for fresh evidence to support my case and luckily up popped a new survey which has revealed that all bosses – including the old soak (that’s the esteemed editor of this august online empire to you lot) – had better act now or else.
You see, according to the Global Payroll Alliance, a mass employee exodus could be on the cards for 2026, as almost half of UK office workers are planning a career change in the new year, seeking greener pastures with better pay, better leaderships, and more promising career progression opportunities.
The GPA, which quizzed over 2,500 UK office workers, found that 47% are planning a potential career change in 2026, a fifth of whom (19%) say their minds are already made up.
Of those considering a career move in the new year, 38% are actively searching job listings, while 15% have submitted applications for new positions. A further 7% have attended interviews, while 3% have already received offers from new employers.
When asked why they are so keen to move on, a fifth are looking for a higher salary, 16% desire a new challenge or a change of professional scenery, and 15% have grown tired of management shortcomings and weak leadership.
Meanwhile, 13% are looking for a better work/life balance, and 12% want a job that offers more opportunities for advancement.
However, and here’s the crucial bit, bosses do still have a chance to retain their staff.
A quarter (25%) say they would be tempted to stay put if they received a pay rise, 17% may postpone their departure if management and leadership improves, and 16% will stay put if their company can demonstrate greater potential for career progression.
ARE YOU LISTENING BOSSES?
A further 15% say that all their employer needs to do is offer more recognition and reward for achievements and good performance, while the offer of more flexible working patterns would be sufficient to persuade another 12% to stay.
And, let’s face it, this is not rocket science… all we’re asking for is better pay, better conditions and even the chance of a promotion. If that is too much to ask, I might even be tempted to follow Lucky Luca out to Italy!
Foxy has ditched X but is still on Instagram, just don’t get too excited as she’s never there
