Almost three-quarters of UK workers would leave their job if the atmosphere wasn’t right, according to a new survey* from music licensing company PPL PRS.
Further analysis by the brand** shows that the most in-demand jobs in the UK are in the warehouse and manufacturing industries, with ‘warehouse jobs’ searched 36,000 times every month, followed by ‘data jobs’ (25k) and ‘retail jobs’ (21k). The preferred type of job in the UK is ‘remote jobs’, with 59,000 monthly searches.
Analysis of search data by PPL PRS has revealed the top 10 most in-demand jobs ahead of the ‘Great Resignation’, finding the industries most likely to see a change in team lineups this winter.
The most in-demand jobs based on search demand in the UK**:
- Warehouses – 36k
- Data – 25k
- Retail – 21k
- Arts – 17k
- Cyber security – 14k
- Cleaning – 14k
- Delivery – 12k
- Marketing – 12k
- Information Technology (IT) – 9k
- Security – 6.5k
These industries are most likely to be affected by the ‘Great Resignation’ this year, with manual labour job listings topping the charts.
When asked what prompts people to leave, leadership coach for PPL PRS Deborah Green explains:
“In my experience, people don’t leave their job—they leave their manager. When a manager fails to provide support, respect, or proper guidance, it creates a toxic atmosphere. It’s rarely the job itself that makes people want to leave; it’s the poor leadership and lack of a positive work environment that push them to find a better place to work.”
What are the biggest causes of quitting?
A new survey by PPL PRS has revealed almost three-quarters (73%) of working Brits would leave their current job due to the atmosphere not being right for them; for over two-fifths (42%), it would be one of many reasons, and for nearly a third (30%), it would be their main reason for leaving a role. Other reasons can range from needing a change of pace to moving to a new city.
As nearly one in three say that the wrong atmosphere in a workplace is the sole reason they would leave a job, how can you build the right atmosphere?
How to build the right atmosphere for retention
Music can be key to building a great atmosphere; whether you’re an office space, retail or warehouse, playing tunes in the workplace can help to create a more upbeat and energetic environment and could help to improve moods and keep staff positive, engaged and focused, in turn improving productivity and retention.
PPL PRS’ brand identity guide can help you build the right atmosphere for your business.
Deborah Green explains why atmosphere can help retain employees during the Great Resignation:
“Building the right atmosphere in a workplace helps retain talent by making employees feel valued and supported. It’s about investing in people through regular one-to-ones, ensuring they have what they need from day one, and fostering a welcoming environment. Caring for employees means facilitating their growth maintaining consistent communication. These efforts show that the company cares about their well-being and professional development, creating an environment that encourages them to stay.
“Other ways to encourage talent to stay include leaders focusing on recognising and valuing transferable skills. Everyone has unique tastes, including music, which can be a unifying element. By understanding employees’ musical preferences, leaders can build a more inclusive environment. It’s not about fitting a specific mould; it’s about embracing diversity in all forms, including music. This approach promotes a sense of belonging and acceptance.
“When someone new starts, leaders can help them feel part of the team by ensuring their onboarding process is seamless. I make it a point to be there on day one to greet them personally. Having their logins and laptop ready is crucial. Pairing them with a buddy helps with practical needs like finding the restaurant or getting coffee. Organising a team lunch or a group activity, whether in-office or during hybrid working days, fosters early connections. Providing a clear 90-day plan with regular check-ins, ensuring they understand their role and feel valued, reinforces their importance to the team.”
* Attest survey conducted in July 2024 of 500 UK workers
**Search demand data sourced on 24/07/2024. All figures stated are monthly UK searches
