A new global survey has shown that 43% of workers are likely to quit their jobs in the next 12 months for higher pay, better career opportunities and more flexibility.
According to the EY 2022 Work Reimagined Survey, 80% of employees want to work remotely at least two days a week while 22% of employers want workers to come back to the office five days a week.
Amid soaring inflation, the study shows that the main motivation for employees seeking new jobs is a desire for higher pay.
This has overtaken flexible working, which emerged as the top reason for changing jobs in last year's survey.
The research canvassed the views of more than 1,500 business leaders and more than 17,000 employees across 22 countries and 26 industry sectors.
Laura Flynn, Head of People Consulting at EY Ireland, said the global trends are reflected here in Ireland.
"This latest survey shows that employees around the world are feeling empowered to leave jobs if their expectations are not met," she said.
"As employers have increasingly provided flexible work approaches, higher pay is now the biggest motivation for changing jobs, particularly given rising inflation and available unfilled roles," she added.
The study reveals that many employers are managing to improve both culture and productivity by ensuring that their leaders have a shared understanding of company issues, offering hybrid work, investing in on-site amenities and enhancing workplace technology.
"All organisations have to work to retain their employees, instil trust and provide a package that takes into account total pay, career path and flexibility to balance market concerns and risks," said Laura Flynn of EY Ireland.
