New research reveals that 65 per cent of working UK professionals would consider leaving their job as a result of poor treatment by their employer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The survey assessed staff attitudes towards their employer, including those who were furloughed, as well as those who continued to work for the same company through the crisis.

The No. 1 reason for employee dissatisfaction was poor communication. In fact, 17 per cent of those working during the pandemic told TopCV that their company failed to communicate quickly, often and/or effectively about major issues such as working hours, layoffs and pay during the crisis. Similarly, 55 per cent of employees who were furloughed felt neglected by their employer, who failed to communicate or keep them informed of next steps.

Furthermore, 21 per cent of professionals admitted they were unhappy even before the crisis, but that their employer’s behaviour towards them during this period was the final straw, and would prompt them to look for a role elsewhere.

Despite job availability in the UK plummeting to a record low, only one in four working UK professionals view their company’s behaviour positively and want to remain employed there post-pandemic. Interestingly, among furloughed employees, a higher proportion (45%) said they felt their employer managed the situation well and they would not consider leaving.

However, findings do suggest that the pandemic has triggered greater workplace flexibility. A mere 6 per cent of employees working remotely said they were unhappy with the flexibility their company offered to help them care for their families.

Amanda Augustine, careers expert at TopCV, commented: ‘Our data illustrates the importance for organisations to communicate early and often with employees – especially in times of crisis. Workers are craving consistent and clear communication from their business leaders – and, as our data suggests, will consider alternative employment options when their expectations are unmet. Companies that offer transparent communication with empathy for its employees will not only experience a boost in credibility, but will also foster deeper connections between team members’.

Research from TopCV