Melbourne, 8th November 2006 -  An independent research study published by leading Melbourne based recruitment and Human Resource Consulting firm, 1st Executive, has revealed that many employers are out of touch with their employees.

Published today, the 1st Executive inaugural study on “Australians’ Attitudes to Work – The Great Divide”, presents some alarming findings for managers and business owners who are already facing a battle to retain their best people.

The most confronting statistic for employers in the study is that almost 90% of employers and managers believe that around 80% of their workforce will be stable for the next two years while 74% of employees said they would change jobs in that time.  Over 60% of employees believe their career paths would require them to leave their current employer.

“The study reveals that the problem of skills shortages will be intensified by low levels of employee engagement” said Andrew Thoseby of 1st Executive.

Other major findings of the report reveal:
• Job diversity does not have a major impact on employee retention
• Challenge in a job is a significant factor in employee retention
• Almost 50% of new hires experience a failure from management to provide clear direction within days of commencing a new role.
• 89% of managers say that they conduct performance appraisals at least every twelve months yet 49% of employees have not been appraised in the 12 months.

Throughout the study, we found a consistent thread of employees wanting to be well managed. Managers and employers know what they should do, but are not delivering. That’s why we called this study “The Great Divide” Thoseby concluded.

The research study is available from 1st Executive for $295 including GST.  Survey design and statistical analysis by Aremel Research Pty. Ltd.

For further information, please contact:
Andrew Thoseby
Director
1st Executive Pty Ltd
www.1stexecutive.com.au
P: 03 8617 8100
F: 03 8617 8199