Work life balance the main reason for people leaving jobs

The top reason people leave their jobs is to seek out opportunities with a better work life balance, according to new research.

A survey of HR directors with access to exit interviews shows nearly a third identified a better world life balance as being behind employees’ decisions to leave their jobs.

The survey by recruitment specialist Robert Half UK shows how work life balance has risen up the employee agenda in the last few years. Four years ago, better pay was the primary reason people across the UK were seeking out opportunities with other employers. In London (38%) and the South England (28%), employees were particularly motivated by achieving a better work life balance in 2011. In 2015, Scotland (38%) and Northern England (28%) led the charge for more flexible working.

The second most common reason for people changing jobs in 2015 was to take on a new position offering opportunities for further career advancement (29%) and this was the highest response for employees in London (40%).

Salary, bonus and benefit considerations were identified as the main motivation for employees switching jobs by 27% of HR directors. Meanwhile, one in 10 HR professionals said the primary motivation of employees leaving their company was to find a job in a better location.

Phil Sheridan, UK Managing Director of Robert Half, said: “As businesses look to grow, retaining top performers should be on the forefront of the agenda. Employers should regularly benchmark the remuneration and benefits offered to existing staff to ensure they are competitive alongside firms in similar industries and regions. For the majority of employees a strong work life balance is an important aspect of their overall remuneration package. However, employers should make an effort to check in with key players to seek out their individual motivations.”

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