Despite a volatile economy and uncertain job market, 40% of employees in the UK are considering leaving their current employer, according to research by Mercer.

The desire for greater work-life balance is the main driver for employees, according to Mercer. Its study included more than 2,000 full-time employees in the UK and found they are increasingly more focused on securing their financial, physical and emotional health than ever before.

Fully remote workers and those working in the retail and hospitality industries are the most likely to consider leaving their roles.

“As a great number of young employees say they feel overwhelmed and more than half of employees feel exhausted, UK workers are seeking a sustainable approach to work which includes a better work-life balance,” said Katerina Psychopaida, Mercer partner and employee experience leader for Europe. “Organisations returning to pre-pandemic practices risk losing their staff if they do not embrace a new contract with employees that better supports sustainable health experiences at work.”

Other key findings:

• Insufficient pay, burnout due to demanding workload and poor relationships with boss/colleagues were the top three reasons behind employee turnover.
• Fully remote workers are more likely to consider leaving (47%) compared to all (40%). This is magnified in the more casual labour markets of hospitality and retail (50%) and those paid hourly (46%).
• Younger employees (18- to 24-year-olds) are feeling the most chaotic (62%), overwhelmed (56%) and exhausted (75%).