TWO in five workers across the south west say they will be looking for new jobs in 2016, with one in five (20%) of workers in the region already actively job hunting, according to new research from Investors in People.

The company, which says its standard defines what it takes to lead, support and manage people well for sustainable results, highlights the results of the survey in its a new report Job Exodus Trends 2016.

It says that over a quarter of employees in the region (28%) are unhappy in their jobs with long hours and uncertain futures causing misery.

One in five workers are complaining of high workloads (22%) and one in six (17%) are concerned by a lack of career progression.

Unsatisfactory pay was also cited as a reason why employees were unhappy in their current roles (32% of respondents cited this).

But getting a pay rise would not solve the problem of being badly managed or feeling undervalued. Pay is important to employees but it’s clear that it’s not the only answer, says the report.

The survey asked respondents to choose between two scenarios – a 3% pay rise, in line with recent UK increases, or a different non-remuneration benefit.

Three in 10 (30%) said they would prefer a more flexible approach to working hours than a 3% pay rise.

Over a quarter (28%) said they would rather have a clear career progression route.

Nearly a quarter (23%) said they would rather their employer invested in their training and development more.

Paul Devoy, head of Investors in People, said: “Improved salaries over recent months means that pay is less of a gripe for UK workers. But longstanding issues around poor management and how valued people feel in their work continue to make UK workers miserable.

“We know that bad leadership alone costs the UK £39bn a year. If employers addressed these factors, they would have a more committed workforce and far fewer resources tied up in constant recruitment drives.

“As the economy improves, many employers run the risk of losing their valuable, skilled staff.”

Simple actions can make all the difference. When asked what one thing their employer could do to increase their happiness in their current role, one in seven (14%) just wanted to be told ‘thank you’ more.

Paul said: “Small things can make a big difference. Feeling valued, understanding their role in the organisation and how they can grow with an organisation are all big concerns for UK workers.

“Saying 'thank you', involving employees in decisions and giving them responsibility over their work are basic ways to make staff happier, and more likely to stay.

"Employers also win, with a more committed workforce, higher retention and a clearer view of the future.”