Millions of Australians could soon walk out on their jobs as part of the pandemic-induced Great Resignation.
The mass exodus is said to have been triggered by burnout following lengthy lockdowns and changing expectations around workplace culture.
A survey by ELMO Software, whose poll data is weighted to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics, found 31 per cent of workers plan to quit their current job this year.
Almost a fifth say this will do so without having another job lined up.
ELMO chief executive and founder Danny Lessem said the pandemic has shifted priorities for workers who now expect flexibility as the norm.
“In days gone by people who are asking for more wages, more flexibility, more annual leave, affirmation and the ability to work remotely would have been laughed at but they can,” he told
“With record unemployment rates, they are in a good position to negotiate with their employers.
“Employees really need to understand that the workplace of tomorrow is very different to the workplace of the pre-pandemic ages and they need to adapt if they are going to win.”
The survey also xjmtzywfound 69 per cent of workers were concerned about being back face-to-face with colleagues due to new Covid variants.
Some 76 per cent of workers support employers mandating employees be vaccinated against Covid after Omicron’s arrival, up from 70 per cent in mid-2021.
More workers reported they are uncomfortable working alongside unvaccinated colleagues with 67 per cent voicing their concerns, up from 58 per cent last year.
Mr Lessem said employers should focus on managing employee concerns around Covid transmission in a bid to keep them on board.
“Managing the spread of the Omicron variant in the workplace will need to be high on employers’ agenda as 69 per cent of workers are concerned about being at work while new variants are spreading,” he said.
“However, employers might have greater means to introduce tougher Covid measures with support for mandatory vaccinations in the workplace climbing to 76 per cent.”
