Increased regret in job offer acceptances

A study by Gartner HR Research has found that people may be regretting taking on their new roles.

The June 2022 study found that 41 per cent of respondents wouldn’t take their job offer if given the opportunity again, up from 17 per cent last year.

This figure was on the decline in recent years, with 2019 seeing 40 per cent and 2020, 30 per cent. Trends were expected to continue in that direction after the 2021 results but were surprisingly negative.

Of over 3,600 people surveyed, almost half said they would consider offers from other workplaces, while 28 per cent said they would now choose to stay at their prior employment if given the chance.

Director of Gartner HR Jamie Kohn claims that people are not only keeping their options open, but are more likely to back out of an accepted offer, with 44 per cent claiming to have at some point, compared to 36 per cent in 2019.

“Competition for talent remains fierce with candidates still coming to the table with multiple offers –one in three candidates have turned down multiple offers during their recent job search,” said Ms Kohn.

“Job changes appear to be motivated more by negative experiences with the current job than by the perception of opportunity elsewhere.”

One quarter of respondents reported underappreciation as the main reason for leaving a job. One quarter felt they’d be better compensated elsewhere, and another quarter felt burned out with their current employment.

The priorities of candidates was a key area of the study, with flexibility, pay and training being top areas of interest to employees. Many said they would be happy to undergo a 10 per cent wage cut in order to meet these requirements.

“Nearly 50 per cent of candidates stated they have decided not to apply to a role in the past 12 months because the job description did not include the salary,” said Ms Kohn.

“Though candidates may prioritise certain aspects of work over pay, companies should still be transparent about pay in job postings.”

It can be hard to decide which job is right for you when you’re fielding lots of offers. Founder and managing director of EST10 Roxanne Calder discussed the ‘paradox of choice’ with HR Leader:

“There are an abundance of job choices, opportunities aplenty, and career aspirations to be realised. Great, you might think. The lure of increased salaries, bonuses, promotions only previously dreamed of, and more. It's refreshing and invigorating. I am sure after the insecurity of the last two years, even a relief,” said Ms Calder.

But she cautions: “Making the wrong decision can be a costly mistake. The stakes are high when it comes to our career, and there are no guarantees. Be discerning, apply due diligence, and implore wise decision-making. To do so, understand your present self and know what you want for your future self.”

Jack Campbell

Jack is the editor at HR Leader.