A new PwC survey has revealed what could be a growing exodus of workers in search of new jobs, and warns employers to invest in technology and training if they want to keep their best workers.

First identified as the Great Resignation in 2022, a study this year now says that today’s interest in job switching is even higher.

Twenty-eight per cent of people who took part in the PwC 2024 Global Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey revealed they were “very” or “extremely” likely to switch employers in the next year. Two years ago this figure was at 19 per cent.

Two thirds of those considering moving said skills were an important factor in their decision-making.

PwC’s director, people and organisation, Alistair McNeish, said: “As workers navigate through uncertain times, increasing workloads and financial stress, prioritising skills development is key.”

He said the focus has shifted from job satisfaction to skill enhancement in a tech-driven landscape.

“Employers will need to invest in employees and technology to ease pressures and retain top talent,” Mr McNeish said.

Yet, only 46 per cent of workers strongly or moderately agreed that their employer provided adequate opportunities to learn new skills.

Workers looking at moving were twice as likely to consider upskilling than those who planned to stay in their present job.

At the same time, workplace pressure is mounting. Almost half of employees said their workload had increased significantly, while almost two thirds said the pace of change at work had increased.

However, survey participants showed faith in the possibilities of artificial intelligence.

Eighty per cent expected the use of generative AI — technology capable of generating text, images, videos or other data — to make their time at work more efficient in the next year.

Half of all users expected AI to lead to higher salaries.

PwC said: “In the midst of this growing mix of employee pressures, the findings suggest workers are alert to opportunities elsewhere, and are highly focused on skills growth and embracing AI.”

However, the survey warned that employers will need to invest heavily in new and emerging technology training and access.

Despite the pace of change, there were also signs of optimism and engagement at work. Sixty per cent of workers expressed at least moderate job satisfaction (up from 56 per cent in 2023) while more than half (57 per cent) of employees who viewed fair pay as important agreed that their job was fairly paid.

Cost-of-living pressures slightly eased with the proportion of workers with money left over each month rising to 45 per cent, up from 38 per cent. However, more than half, 52 per cent, were still financially stressed to some degree.