More than half of female business professionals around the world – and a similar percentage of their male counterparts – report that they are dissatisfied with their jobs. At the same time, however, a significant number plan to stay with their companies and create new opportunities, according to new research from Accenture.
The research, which surveyed more than 3,400 professionals in 29 countries, compared responses of equal numbers of women and men and found that fewer than half (43% of women and 42% of men) of all respondents are satisfied with their current jobs, but nearly three-quarters (70% of women and 69% of men) plan to stay with their companies.
The research also found that the top reasons for respondents’ dissatisfaction are: being underpaid (cited by 47% of women versus 44% of men); a lack of opportunity for growth (36% versus 32%); no opportunity for career advancement (33% versus 34%); and feeling trapped (29% versus 32%). Despite this, more than half of respondents (59% of women and 57% of men), say that, this year, in an effort to enhance their careers, they will work on developing their knowledge and/or a skill set to achieve their career objectives.
“We’re seeing an unanticipated workplace dynamic,” said Adrian Lajtha, chief leadership officer at Accenture. “Today’s professionals are not job hunting, despite expressing dissatisfaction. Instead, they are focused on their skill sets and on seeking the training, the resources and the people that can help them achieve their goals. Leading companies should support these efforts by listening to employees and providing them with innovative training, leadership development and clearly-defined career paths.” [Source: Human Capital Magazine, March 2011]
