A report released by CEB suggests that an increasing number of employees are choosing to stick out their jobs despite dissatisfaction.

As a business owner or manager, you’re more likely to reward employees who are committed to your company and stick around than those who show signs of wanting to jump ship. It’s a no brainer: Happy employees are simply more productive and efficient. They usually work harder, contribute more and are in their jobs for the long-haul. This is great for you and your company because it means not wasting time and capital on recruitment and training.

It's not all good news

However, have you thought about those employees who stick around for the sake of it? According to a report released by CEB, a best practice insight and technology company, the number of South Africans actively seeking for new job opportunities has decreased. In fact, findings revealed by the company’s Global Talent Monitor showed a drastic increase in the level of intent employees have to stay in their current jobs; which jumped from 5 points to 36%.

Although at first glance this may sound like music to your ears, CEB further reveals that although employees are opting to stay in their current jobs, they are showing signs of disengagement. The perception among many South Africans in terms of job opportunities is pessimistic. Not only is the unemployment rate at an all-time high, but there is a severe slowdown in key sectors. In addition, a lack of quality jobs opportunities is causing many employees to remain in their current jobs rather than gambling with the possibility of risky job opportunities.

Read: The one thing that will ensure your employees are always engaged

Fewer decent jobs

An article published in Sowetan Live also suggests that government policies are not taking the right measures to curb this problem. According to the article, the labour market policy has been shaped by an approach to employment that says the employed are allowed to accept jobs that government policymakers label as “decent”.

Therefore, even though your disengaged employees may be considering new job opportunities, it seems that currently there aren’t enough to go around.  Whether their reason for seeking out new job opportunities is for a better salary or more job stability, the ability to create jobs which offer these perks is hampered by the amount of money it costs the government and the private sector to create these jobs. This in turn ensures that there are fewer jobs created. 

Another important point to keep in mind is that more and more employees lack the motivation to go above and beyond their daily call of duty. While the degree of employee motivation is comfortably above the average, if your employees feel they are not adequately recognised or rewarded, their level of engagement and performance will continue to drop.  Although levels of motivation are at their lowest point since 2014, they are still comfortably above the global average. However, if employees feel they are not adequately recognised or rewarded, employees engagement and performance will continue to drop. 

Also read: Employee motivations that go beyond money

If you find that your employees are disengaged or you’re hearing more and more rumours about them are seeking out new job opportunities, according to Business Tech, these are the top three reasons for their lack of satisfaction:

While your employees may be sticking around, by now you should be well aware that they are keeping an eye out for any new jobs that may offer these benefits. At this point, it should become clear to you that the only way to keep your best people from jumping overboard is to make them feel more connected to the ship.