Facebook founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg once said, “Treat your employees right, so they won’t use your Internet to search for a new job.” But according to new research, a majority of the workforce must not feel like they are being treated right, because 64% of respondents say they’ve looked for a new job while on the clock with their current employer.
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Most professionals feel confident testing the employment waters, even from their current office, research suggests. In a survey from global staffing firm Accountemps, 78% of workers said they would feel at least somewhat comfortable looking for a new job while with their present company. More than six in 10 respondents (64%) indicated they’d likely conduct search activities from work.
The online survey was developed by Accountemps and conducted by an independent research firm. It includes responses from more than 1,000 U.S. workers 18 years of age or older and employed in office environments.
Job Searching on the Job?
Workers were asked, “While still employed, how comfortable would you feel looking for a new job?” Their responses:
- Very comfortable (44%)
- Somewhat comfortable (34%)
- Somewhat uncomfortable (17%)
- Very uncomfortable (6%)*
Respondents were also asked about the likelihood that they would conduct job search activities from their current workplace. Their responses:
- Very likely (34%)
- Somewhat likely (30%)
- Not very likely (20%)
- Not likely at all (15%)*
*Responses do not total 100 percent due to rounding.
The survey revealed that professionals ages 18 to 34 are the most open to conducting job search activities at work (72%), compared to those ages 35 to 54 (63%), and 55 and older (46%).
In addition, the research showed men are more likely to conduct job search activities from the workplace (72%) than women (55%).
While this may be a curse for employers, it’s a blessing for recruiters. Knowing when candidates are searching can help you connect with them a lot faster. While it may be seen as unethical to look for a new job on the employer’s dime, with advancements in mobile technology, recruiters can easily communicate with prospective candidates during normal business hours—without the employer even knowing.