New research reveals two-fifths (39%) of UK employees are planning to leave their role in the next twelve months.
A survey from digital gifting platform Prezzee shows a mass exodus of younger workers may be on the horizon, with 55% of Gen Z and 41% of millennials planning a job change. Human resources departments are also set for significant turnover with 61% of HR professionals actively looking to move. This is despite nearly three-quarters (73%) of employees having received a pay rise in the last 12 months.
The research explored why employees were moving, and despite the significant number who have had a pay rise recently, increased salary and improved job satisfaction are the two most cited reasons. A quarter (24%) claimed they were looking to leave because of a lack of appreciation. Flexible working was also a factor with 21% of remote workers looking to leave because of return to office policy.
Those that are planning to stay explained the key factors in their decision were flexibility and feeling valued by their employer. However, there is a significant generational divide, Millennials and Gen X appreciate flexibility the most, whereas ‘feeling valued’ is most important to baby boomers and Gen Z.
When asked what would increase loyalty, the survey found most employees are looking for more flexibility and increased salary. The third most impactful factor is meaningful recognition from a manager, which was prioritised over a promotion or improved company culture.
The importance of positive recognition shouldn’t be underestimated with 85% of employees stating they would view their employer more positively if given a small yet meaningful reward.
James Malia, President of UK and Europe at Prezzee said, “Up until now, 2025 is the year of the great-stay. Economic stagnation, job cuts and a slowing labour market were enough to encourage workers to sit and wait.
“However, our research suggests workers have had enough. We’re preparing to go into a new year with a people exodus. Pay rises are clearly no longer enough to retain talent; employees want more. They want to feel valued and appreciated for the work they do.
“HR teams in particular face immense pressure. They’re not just dealing with turnover across the wider company, they’re also facing the greatest risk of losing staff within their own teams.
“Recognition doesn’t have to be grand or costly, but it must feel genuine. If companies want to improve their employee loyalty, they must focus on making employees feel valued. Simple, meaningful gestures, like a personalised reward, will show employees that their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.”
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