Scientists and engineers more likely to switch jobs
26 Sep 2012
London – Employees in the science and engineering industry are more likely to change jobs more frequently than other professions in order to progress their careers, the latest findings from the Kelly Global Workforce Index (KGWI) reveal.
Almost 60% admitted that in order to hone their skills and grow their career, changing employers is more important than remaining with their existing one. In particular, over two thirds of engineering employees consider gaining experience with multiple employers to be a key asset.
Nearly two thirds went so far as to say that they do not feel their current employer is realising their full potential, and less than half (49%) of those surveyed do not believe that they will be able to progress their career in the next year at their current organisation.
People in the science professions, including engineering disciplines are adopting a more fluid approach to employment, according to Dominic Graham, UK director of Kelly Scientific and Kelly Engineering Resources.
“Gone are the days of a job for life,” said Graham. “These employees are eager to learn new skills and believe that by constantly being aware of opportunities and moving jobs they are more likely to fast-track their careers.
“To counter this mindset, employers need to ensure they are offering the most comprehensive development strategies, and to proactively promote them to both internal and external audiences.”
Graham believes that by building their “employer brand”, companies can increase loyalty and therefore improve talent retention – as well as attracting potential employees to their candidate pipe-line.
The survey also revealed that science professionals particularly feel in demand with employers, with as many as 57% of engineering professionals believing their skills are needed in the workplace - compared with the general average of 46% in the UK workplace.
The KGWI examines issues of job mobility and career progression as part of a shift to a more autonomous and empowered workforce. Nearly 170,000 people in 30 countries participated in the survey, including more than 3,500 in the UK.
