A survey has found that 40 per cent of employees cite a lack of career growth opportunities as the main reason why they are planning to resign, while good work-life balance is the main reason people stay in a job, according to the 2015 Randstad Award employer branding survey.

SINGAPORE: The lack of career growth opportunities, low salary and lack of recognition are some of the top reasons employees are planning to leave their jobs, with 30 per cent of employees in Singapore saying they are planning to resign this year, according to a survey.

In the 2015 Randstad Award employer branding survey released on Wednesday (Apr 8), 40 per cent of the 7,103 respondents said there was no career progression at work. About 33 per cent of employees cited low salary while 27 per cent said it is the lack of recognition that is driving them to leave.

However, the top reason listed among workers below the age of 25 for wanting to resign was being disinterested in their jobs, which came in at 31 per cent. As for workers aged 45 and above, 32 per cent of them said poor leadership was the reason for them to consider changing employers, the survey added.

Randstad Country Director for Singapore Michael Smith said the findings highlight that all employees, regardless of age, gender or education level, have varying motivations to stay with or leave their current employer and that employers need to be acutely aware of them.

Why will an employee stay? According to Randstad, the offer of good work-life balance is the main attraction for 48 per cent of employees surveyed. Other factors are a competitive salary, at 32 per cent, and the financial health of the company, cited by 27 per cent of respondents.

Added Mr Smith: “It is interesting to observe that while 70 per cent of employees in Singapore list salary and benefits as one of the top reasons for choosing an employer, it is not the main reason to stay once they are in the role.”