A survey released recently by Hudson Highland Group Inc., indicates that 40% of workers are “actively” seeking a new job.  Hudson did not break out specific numbers for the Banking industry.  However, based upon our informal research, 20% or one out of five seems accurate.

Based upon the Hudson survey, pay and benefits remain key components for satisfied employees.  No surprise here.  However, these same employees have said they will look for new jobs if they feel their career advancement and training needs are not being met, and/or if they do not have a good relationship with their manager.

Other interesting findings include:

• Managers will recommend their company to others more so than non-managers (70% compared to 50%)
• Forty percent report they feel they will have to leave their current employer in order to find a better job. Based upon our informal research, more than 50% of officer level bankers feel the same way, that they will have to change jobs in order to advance their careers and pay.
• Most employees (62%) would recommend their organization to others as a good place to work. 
• Only 30% of the employees reported their organizations ask for and gather feedback from their employees.
• Accounting personnel tend to be more loyal with 33% indicating they would not consider another job offer, while only 20% of human resource employees felt the same way.

The vast majority of bank employees understand that “employment for life” is no longer a realistic concept.  However, employers who can extend the average tenure of their workers by just a year or two will benefit dramatically. 

Edith Canales has over 25 years experience as a banker and banking educator.  She is currently an executive recruiter with BankersforHire.com, (678) 762-3300  an executive search firm committed to the executive staffing needs of North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Florida and Georgia financial institutions.