One in ten of those have quit as recently as the last six months, with an additional 16 percent planning to leave in the upcoming year.
Among the top 30 reasons for doing so include working hours that don’t fit with commitments outside of work, and management not being interested in staff wellbeing.
As many as 42 percent raised their concerns with employers before choosing to leave – but 30 percent of them said nothing changed as a result.
The study, commissioned by employee experience platform Edenred, also highlighted what made people want to stay in a job – including having a manageable workload, flexible hours, and a supportive line manager who appreciates their work.
A quarter of those polled admitted they have stayed at their current company longer than they wanted because of the pandemic.
And other top reasons why workers have left include the commute, an outdated workplace – and a simply boring job.
Alisdair Seenan, HR Director at Edenred, said: “It’s clear from the study that the job landscape is changing rapidly, and it’s likely this will continue in 2022.
“The top 30 reasons are a clear indication to employers about what they may need to change or improve in order to keep vital staff from leaving, particularly as the results show many plan to leave their job in the next year.
“We believe employers who invest time and resources to help employees deal with the challenges they may face in 2022 – such as rising living costs and the pandemic continuing to disrupt the working environment – will attract and retain the best people.”
The study of adults, who have ever been employed, also found the “seven-year itch” rings true when it comes to jobs – as this was found to be the average amount of time people stay in a role before moving onto something else.
But 43 percent believe there is currently a “great resignation” happening in the UK, with a record number of people leaving their jobs.
Similarly, 64 percent admitted the Covid-19 pandemic had an impact on their decision to leave their job – with half of them realising they didn’t want to stay in their current role.
A further 47 percent of those polled, via OnePoll, left their job earlier than planned due to the situation, with a fifth saying they realised how short life is and therefore want to do a job they enjoy.
Four in ten know of someone, not including themselves, who left a job during the pandemic.
And although almost two-thirds feel their employer supported them well through the last few months, many believe there is still room for improvements when it comes to financial wellbeing (38 percent) and mental health (34 percent).
Nine in ten feel work/life balance is important to their happiness in a job – yet less than half believe their current company understands the importance of this.
Worryingly, only 18 percent agreed their employer understands the needs of employees, and as few as 37 percent feel their boss supports them in their progression.
Alisdair Seenan added: “Many employers stepped up their support for employees during lockdown, with a greater focus on employee well-being and recognition.
“This research highlights further opportunities for employers to build on changes they have made to working patterns, to retain good staff and help them thrive at work.
“It’s a golden opportunity for good employers to stand out from the competition.”
TOP 30 REASONS WHY PEOPLE LEFT THEIR LAST JOB:
- It wasn’t motivating
- I felt overworked
- The management didn’t care about my wellbeing
- I didn’t like the atmosphere
- The pay was less than I wanted
- I had a rude boss
- There was no room to progress
- It was boring
- It wasn’t the career I wanted
- I had been there too long
- The working hours didn’t suit my lifestyle
- I didn’t like my day to day tasks
- The commute was a pain
- I didn’t feel welcomed
- I worked overtime for no extra pay
- There were no perks or bonuses
- I moved cities
- I didn’t get on with my team
- There was no training
- The workplace was outdated
- I moved further away from the place of work
- I was refused holiday when I requested it
- They didn’t take the pandemic/lockdown seriously
- I got head-hunted by another company
- I was forced to go back into the workplace after lockdown and working from home
- Lack of holiday days allowed
- They didn’t let me go part time when I asked
- There was no car parking
- I decided to go back into education
- I moved countries