Survey: One in Four Retail Workers Plan to Change Jobs in 2014

CHICAGO -- The new year could bring new jobs for many retail workers.

According to a survey from CareerBuilder and WorkInRetail.com, 24 percent of full-time retail employees plan to change jobs in 2014, three points above the average for all workers (21 percent) and up from 20 percent in 2013.

The national survey was conducted online by Harris Interactive from Nov. 6 to Dec. 2 and included a representative sample of 225 full-time, retail employees. WorkInRetail.com is CareerBuilder's employment site for retail professionals.

A significant drop in job satisfaction could be a key driver behind the rise in turnover. Fifty-one percent of retail workers are satisfied with their jobs, down from 60 percent in 2013, and 22 percent are dissatisfied, up from 17 percent last year.

"When workers are confident they can find a better job elsewhere, it's a sign the labor market is improving. As a result, employers must double-down on efforts to retain top talent," said Rob Morris, director of WorkInRetail.com. "Managers should listen carefully to employee feedback, implement incentive rewards and consistently recognize strong performance. Reducing turnover builds cohesive teams that lead to positive customer service results and higher sales."

On the flip side, for the three out of four retail workers (76 percent) who have no intention of leaving their current jobs in 2014, a variety of factors are weighing into their decision to stay put, with relationships with co-workers, work/life balance and benefits topping the list:

  • "I like the people I work with." -- 59 percent
     
  • "I have a good work/life balance." -- 49 percent
     
  • "I have good benefits." -- 43 percent
     
  • "I have a quick commute." -- 40 percent
     
  • "I have a good boss who watches out for me." -- 34 percent
     
  • "There still is a lot of uncertainty in the job market." -- 31 percent
     
  • "I make a good salary." -- 29 percent
     
  • "I have a flexible schedule or can telecommute." -- 25 percent
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