ManpowerGroup’s latest survey, the Global Talent Barometer, has shed light on pressing issues affecting the workforce in Europe, with a significant focus on work-related stress, career development, and employee retention. The survey, which gathered data from over 12,000 workers across 10 European countries, reveals that nearly half of the workforce is experiencing daily stress, while many employees are considering job changes due to a lack of career growth opportunities. The findings underscore the need for companies to reassess their approach to supporting employees, not only through benefits but also by fostering a culture of personal and professional growth.
Widespread Stress: A Growing Concern for European Workers
The survey highlights that stress in the workplace is a major challenge, with an average of 48% of workers across Europe reporting daily stress. Spain leads the pack, with 58% of workers acknowledging stress as a regular part of their workday, followed closely by Sweden (53%), Italy (53%), and Poland (51%). However, the Netherlands, Norway, and Switzerland report comparatively lower levels of stress, with just 34%, 40%, and 46%, respectively.
Despite the high levels of stress, many workers express confidence in their ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance, with 65% feeling supported by their employers in managing personal well-being. The Netherlands stands out for offering the highest level of support (73%), while France lags behind at just 59%.
Career Development and Job Satisfaction: A Critical Factor in Retention
Becky Frankiewicz, Chief Commercial Officer at ManpowerGroup, emphasized that work-life balance alone isn't enough to retain talent. Employees expect more from their workplaces, including career development opportunities and skills training. According to the survey, one-third of workers across Europe feel they lack opportunities to achieve their career goals, with the highest levels of dissatisfaction seen in Norway (41%) and Switzerland (39%).
This dissatisfaction is further reflected in job mobility, with 34% of workers in Europe considering changing jobs in the next six months. Interestingly, 58% of workers are confident that they could find a new job that meets their needs. However, the survey also reveals a paradox: While 82% of workers feel their work is meaningful, a significant portion is still contemplating leaving their jobs due to stress or career stagnation.
Focus on Skills Training: The Key to Employee Retention
Frankiewicz pointed out that career development and skills training are vital components of a retention strategy. Companies that invest in continuous learning are better positioned to retain their employees. In the Netherlands, 42% of workers reported receiving training in the past six months, which aligns with the higher job satisfaction and lower stress levels in the country. By contrast, only 37% of workers in Norway reported similar training, which may explain the lower satisfaction levels there.
The survey also highlighted that 71% of workers feel secure in their current job, with concerns about job loss being most prevalent in Spain and Poland (29%). However, the general trend shows that European workers are relatively confident about their ability to find new employment.
The Employee-Employer Relationship at a Crossroads
The survey results signal a turning point in the employee-employer relationship. As Frankiewicz notes, employees are increasingly seeking more than just a paycheck. They want employers who offer not only competitive salaries but also a supportive work environment that promotes balance, career growth, and mental health. Companies that fail to meet these expectations risk losing valuable talent to competitors who are more attuned to the needs of their workforce.
Conclusion: Adapting to the Changing Workforce
As ManpowerGroup's survey reveals, European workers are grappling with stress, limited career advancement opportunities, and the desire for better work-life balance. For employers, these insights underscore the importance of adapting to changing workforce expectations. Companies that focus on providing career development, skills training, and mental health support are more likely to retain top talent and maintain a satisfied and engaged workforce.
Source: Euronews
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