Britain's education workers are on the move in 2016

More than a third of those working in the UK education sector will be looking for new jobs this year, according to new research

Posted by Rebecca Paddick | January 05, 2016 | People, policy, politics

• #investors-in-people
• #education
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The findings are highlighted in a new report from Investors in People called 'Job Exodus Trends 2016,' which shows that one in five (20%) are unhappy with the hours they work, nearly a quarter (23%) are complaining about a lack of career progression and nearly a third (29%) are unhappy with their levels of pay, prompting a potential mass exodus.

But getting a payrise would not solve the problem. Pay is important to employees but it’s clear that it’s not the only answer. The survey asked respondents to choose between two scenarios – a 3% payrise, in line with recent UK increases, or a different non-remuneration benefit:

Nearly a third (29%) said they would prefer a more flexible approach to working hours than a 3% payrise, almost a quarter (23%) said they would rather have a clear career progression route.One in five (20%) said they’d rather have a better manager.

Improved salaries over recent months means that pay is less of a gripe for UK workers. But longstanding issues around poor management and how valued people feel in their work continue to make UK workers miserable

Paul Devoy, Head of Investors in People said: “Improved salaries over recent months means that pay is less of a gripe for UK workers. But longstanding issues around poor management and how valued people feel in their work continue to make UK workers miserable. We know that bad leadership alone costs the UK £39 billion a year*. If employers addressed these factors, they would have a more committed workforce and far fewer resources tied up in constant recruitment drives. As the economy improves, many employers run the risk of losing their valuable, skilled staff.”  

Over a quarter of employees (26%) in the teaching and education sector say they are quite or extremely unhappy in their jobs. Simple actions can make all the difference.  When asked what one thing their employer could do to increase their happiness in their current role, one in 6 (15%) just wanted to be told ‘thank you’ more.

Paul continued: “Small things can make a big difference. Feeling valued, understanding their role in the organisation and how they can grow with an organisation are all big concerns for UK workers.  Saying thank you, involving employees in decisions and giving them responsibility over their work are basic ways to make staff happier, and more likely to stay.  Employers also win, with a more committed workforce, higher retention and a clearer view of the future.” 

*The Impact of Investing in People report, Investors in People, October 2015