Changing jobs is just a matter of crust

RISING living costs are prompting Australians to prioritise salary over perks and convenience when choosing jobs, a study recently found.

The LinkedIn research revealed 53 per cent of Australians are motivated by a better salary when looking for new roles, while less than 20 per cent wanted perks and benefits.

LinkedIn director of talent solutions Jason Laufer said more people were chasing more money than recent years, at a time when 89 per cent of talent is prepared to move jobs.

“The reason the majority will leave an organisation is poor leadership, but second to that is compensation,” Mr Laufer said. “(They) want to know who they are working for, the structure of the company and what they will earn.”

When a recruiter reaches out, 74 per cent say knowing the salary range is essential, while 37 per cent had moved to their current role for more pay.

“Housing affordability is at an all-time low. Childcare and other costs of living are more expensive than ever, especially in our capital cities. Salaries need to be able to cover that,” Mr Laufer said.

The survey also indicated Australians see themselves as unlikely to stay in jobs as long as previous generations, with 89 per cent interested in hearing about new opportunities. In fact, 28 per cent envisioned leaving their current roles within a year, while 50 per cent would be motivated to look elsewhere if they felt they weren’t being challenged.

A Hays Recruitment study found 87 per cent of employees want annual salary reviews.

The Hays Salary Guide 2017 revealed 17 per cent of job seekers expected to get a salary increase of 3 to 6 per cent in their next role, while 6 per cent expected 10 per cent or more. Around 45 per cent would ask for a raise at their next review, said Nick Deligiannis, managing director, Hays Australia and New Zealand.