22 million British workers are looking for a fresh challenge and gearing up to change jobs this year.
New research from LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network, reveals this increased confidence could be driving a desire amongst the UK workforce to change jobs, with more than two thirds (67%) considering a change this year - the highest figure amongst European workers - while 1 in 5 of those are actively looking. According to the research, Gen Z’s have the biggest desire for change in 2022, with almost 8 in 10 (77%) considering the switch.
More than a third (37%) of workers want to change jobs in a bid to earn more money. Yet, while the potential of a higher salary is enough of a reason to change jobs for some, nearly half (45%) believe a salary increase would in fact convince them to remain with their current employer. A better work-life balance is also key for 3 in 10 (29%) job seekers and this figure rises to almost a third of women (32%), compared to just a quarter (24%) of men, suggesting women are set to remain the biggest champions for flexible working.
LinkedIn’s research also found UK workers are feeling more confident about having the dreaded ‘money talk’, as over half (56%) of workers feel confident enough to push for a promotion or new job opportunities at work and 20% even more so than they were before the pandemic. Yet, its men who are more likely to ask (65%), while just over half (51%) of female workers surveyed said the same.
Working remotely has been a gift for over a quarter (27%) of workers who consider themselves introverts, as their confidence has thrived in their own space and away from the office. In fact, a third (33%) of workers said they feel more confident about finding a new role since working remotely became the norm and 3 in 10 (30%) say they’d now be more confident to ask for flexible working.
But, while Brits are feeling confident to search further afield for a new role, almost 1 in 5 (19%) job hunters still feel anxious while reading new job descriptions. Phrases such as “must be an expert in” (20%), “thrive in chaos” (20%) and “must be able to lead a team” (18%) were cited as the top phrases that trigger anxiety when reading job advertisements.
To help job seekers, LinkedIn is hosting a Jobs Bootcamp, a programme of content and live events on LinkedIn that will offer practical career advice and job seeking tips from experts. As part of the Jobs Bootcamp initiative, LinkedIn is also unlocking a range of LinkedIn Learning courses to help job seekers build key skills to find their next career opportunity.
Charlotte Davies, Careers Expert at LinkedIn, says: “The nation’s career confidence is soaring after a tough couple of years, and with the job market so energised, there’s no better time for those rethinking their professional goals and priorities to take the next step in their career. With the world of work so rapidly evolving, we’re launching a Jobs Bootcamp to arm people with the tools they need to help them stand out from the crowd and find their next opportunity in 2022. These LinkedIn Live sessions will help job seekers understand how the jobs market is changing with advice from leading industry experts on how to map out your career, grow your network, overcome setbacks and more.”
Helen Tupper, Co-host of the Squiggly Careers podcast, Author and CEO of Amazing If, says: “After so much change and uncertainty, it’s great that people are open to the possibilities this can create for their career. With the confidence to have the career conversations they need, there are often opportunities to develop in different directions within an existing employer. For those seeking a bigger change, getting practical about how to make a career pivot can lead to the learning, growth and progression that many people are looking for.”
The Jobs Bootcamp Linkedin Live Sessions will be available on the platform from 18th to 21st January 2022 and include: “ Finding a job that fits your values and ambition ” with LinkedIn News. Date: 19.01.22 Time: 12:00pm GMT; “ Hacks for Jobseekers in 2022 ” with Andrew MacAskill, Career Coach and Job Search Expert. Date: 20.01.22 Time: 12:15pm GMT; And “ Practical ways to pivot your career ” with Helen Tupper, Career Coach & Author of The Squiggly Career. Date: 21.01.22 Time: 12:00pm GMT.
As 2022 will see almost 7 in 10 Brits considering changing jobs, LinkedIn has also revealed the top 20 fastest-growing jobs in the UK. Roles in customs, public health and data engineering have surged, fuelled by the pandemic, while the need for HR and Talent professionals continues to increase, in line with the continued workplace disruption. The full list can be found in the appendix.
