Half of Indians considering job change: survey

One in two Indian employees is considering changing his present job with young workers most likely to quit, as robust economic growth of the country promises more job opportunities, a survey by human resource consulting firm Mercer has found.

The survey, which was conducted among more than 2,000 workers in India, found that 54% are seriously considering leaving their organisation at the present time, a substantial 28% jump from 26% in 2004.

Women are leading the exodus game as 58% are considering leaving, compared to 53% of men.

Around 66% of workers of age 24 and below are seriously considering leaving current job, the survey said.

"As the economy improves further and new job opportunities emerge, employers risk losing valued talent and also face productivity and morale issues among workers who continue to be with the organisation," Mercer Consulting India Managing Director Nishchae Suri said.

Suri added, "The business consequences of this erosion in employee sentiment are significant, and clearly the issue goes far beyond retention."

Adding to the complexity is emerging generational tension as Millennials -- younger workforce -- enter the workforce in growing numbers, bringing with them wholly different expectations regarding work, the report said.

As per the survey, the most important reward factor for workers in India is career advancement, followed by base pay. Training opportunities followed by type of work were rated third and fourth, respectively. While, working for a respectable organisation and incentives are fifth and sixth.

"A clear understanding of 'what's inside employees' minds' represents an important step in developing a blueprint that skillfully combines existing approaches with innovative ideas to improve engagement, performance and productivity," Suri said.

Mercer's 'What's Working' survey, which examines employee views on work included more than 100 questions on a range of work-related topics and represents the overall demographics of the Indian workforce in terms of age, gender and job level.