Almost two thirds of Australian workers are keeping their eyes open for a new job, even as new employment opportunities are increasingly hard to come by in many sectors.
Around 64 per cent of Australian workers are either actively or passively looking for a new employment, according to a survey of more than 4,600 employees by recruitment business Hudson.
Most of those seeking a new job wanted a bigger pay packet, while others were looking for a more interesting role and an organisation that will make them happy.
However, the jobs market continues to tighten; the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures put the unemployment rate at 5.8 per cent in December and some economists expect it to rise to 6.5 per cent by the end of 2014.
The Hudson survey showed seven out of 10 Australian employers had carried out a large-scale internal change program in the past 12 months to lift efficiency and cut costs in the face of challenging market conditions.
Meanwhile, almost 46 per cent of employees said they were working longer hours compared to a year ago, the survey found.
Hudson Asia Pacific chief executive Mark Steyn said the relatively low level of worker satisfaction was a problem for employers.
"Many employees are working longer and harder, feeling less secure in their current role and are looking for new opportunities," he said.
"Businesses could be facing a potential triple cost scenario: the costs of a disengaged workforce, the costs of staff turnover and the costs of losing key talent."
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