‘44% of employees say they’ve missed out on skills and responsibilities due to COVID-19’

25% of employees will look to change jobs in the next 12 months.

Almost half of employees (44%) in the UK, Spain, and Italy say they have missed opportunities to gain new responsibilities and skills as a result of the pandemic.

Just over a quarter of employees (26%) believe they have lost opportunities to develop their career, including 47% of 18-34 year-olds who are concerned about the impact the pandemic has had on their workplace opportunities

That’s according to a new study by Workday titled ‘The Employee Outlook: Understanding Employee Sentiment and Priorities Across Europe,’ which polled over 17,000 employees below director level and employed by organizations with more than 250 employees in 9 European markets.

Despite many respondents thinking they had missed out on key opportunities, the data showed that employees remained positive about leadership throughout uncertain times. Leaders in the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and the UK were viewed most favorably by workers.

“While it’s reassuring to see that many business leaders have successfully managed through the unforeseen changes of the pandemic, the real impact will be seen in the way that organisations support employees in the transition to some form of normality as we emerge from lockdown,” said Carolyn Horne, president, EMEA at Workday.

“Critically, this should include support for employee development through skills training and the creation of new opportunities, such as virtual learning and internal mobility, which will not only contribute to an organization’s continued success, but support employee wellbeing,” Horne added.

Additionally, survey results revealed that 25% of employees will look to change jobs in the next 12 months, hoping to find better career development, a more interesting role, and improved salary.

Only 12% say their desire to change jobs has been driven by their employer’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, however.

Despite pandemic pressures, 30% of employees still believe they will receive a pay rise in the next year, though those from Spain and Italy are least hopeful with only 23% and 18% respectively believing they will be in line for a salary increase.

This compares to Sweden where over half of respondents (52%) believe their salary will increase. A competitive salary is the most motivating factor when searching for a new role across all markets, with 54% saying they would not be willing to reduce their salary for more flexible working conditions.