The majority of American workers feel a sense of new empowerment at work, according to a survey from Randstad USA. This comes as shifting labor market dynamics continue to be favorable to jobseekers and workers who are feeling a sense of clarity and control regarding their professional goals.
The Randstad Workmonitor 2021 survey polled 2,000 U.S. workers and found that the vast majority (87%) are satisfied with their jobs, which is up from 78% during the first half of 2021. That being said, a large majority (84%) are reassessing how work fits into their personal schedule, and almost three-quarters (73%) feel like they can make positive changes to their work-life balance. More than half do not feel like they are being fairly rewarded for their work and are looking for a new job, continuing the trend of the “Great Resignation.”
Although compensation and benefits are the most important consideration for over half of respondents (59%) when making career choices, other factors are also at play, including having meaningful work (43%) and working in a safe environment (39%).
American workers are also looking for more professional development and training to help them maintain relevance in a changing job market. More than three-quarters (79%) of respondents say that to retain future employability they need to continue their learning and development efforts. More than half (58%) feel they need more opportunities for training and professional development, but the same amount find it difficult to decide what skills are important to develop. The majority (63%) are looking to the government or employers to help them better understand the skills economy.
Flexibility is also important, and over three-quarters (77%) of workers are looking for more of it. And remote work appears to be here for the long haul, as more than half of the respondents (51%) would consider taking a job outside of their country if it can be done remotely.
According to Karen Fichuk, CEO of Randstad North America and Randstad N.V. executive board member, this reassessment of professional priorities and career trajectories comes as no surprise. “In today’s competitive talent market, companies now need to adjust their hiring strategies, benefit offerings, and workforce development programs to better align with the workforce of the future,” Fichuk said.
