About 2.7 million Aussie workers plan to quit their job in the next six to 12 months

About 2.7 million Aussies plan to quit their job in the next 12 months, with 50 per cent of people saying they feel burnt out at work.

About 2.7 million Australian workers plan to quit their job in the next six to 12 months with almost half the country’s workforce feeling fatigued and burnt out at work.

The research was conducted by insurer Allianz Australia, which revealed that organisations across the country needed to invest in support for its employees.

Allianz found that Australian organisations were already spending $27.8b in the next 12 months on diversity and inclusion practices, and mental health support services.

About 2.7 million Aussies plan to quit their job in the next 6 to 12 months, with almost half the nation’s workforce feeling burnt out. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

But after examining the experiences of Aussie’s mental health and wellbeing at work, focusing on people with diverse needs they found that organisations needed to improve its support to employees.

Almost 40 per cent of people surveyed had a disability, and two-in-five identified as neuro-divergent and had withheld information about their personal situation because they feared they would be perceived poorly by their manager or employer.

However, industry research has shown that diverse workforces were often associated with better business outcomes, and it was crucial for organisations to focus on supporting all employees regardless of their differences.

The survey found 31 per cent of employees felt a lack of compassion from their manager about their personal circumstances.

Australian organisations plan to spend $27.8b in diversity and inclusion practices, and mental health support services in the next 12 months. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

About 28 per cent believed their manager held an unconscious bias towards them and their ability to do their job effectively, and 22 per cent of people surveyed with a disability felt excluded.

Cost of living pressures was also affecting people’s satisfaction at work with 46 per cent of employees responding it had negatively impacted their job satisfaction and another 33 per cent said they were not being adequately rewarded.

A quarter of respondents felt their workload had also increased due to staff shortages.

Allianz Australia chief general manager of personal injury Julie Mitchell said diversity and inclusion were so important within the workforce.

About 25 per cent of Australia’s workforce felt their workload had increased because of staff shortages. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

“It not only benefits individuals but also their teams, the organisation and society more broadly and at Allianz we believe in the benefits of a diverse and inclusive workplace that gives fair and equitable opportunities to all employees,” she said.

“As well as creating a workplace that is diverse, employers need to focus on developing a culture whereby employees feel psychologically safe and that they can bring their best selves to work.

“Our research demonstrates how vital it is for organisations to understand the needs of all Australians participating in the workplace and adopt a proactive approach to mental health support.

Industry research has shown that diverse workforces were often associated with better business outcomes, and it was crucial for organisations to focus on supporting all employees regardless of their differences. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

“Only by doing so can organisations take advantage of a more productive and successful workforce.”

Transitioning Well organisational psychologist Dr Sarah Cotton said it was clear managers were navigating highly complex working environments, among a diverse workforce that called for workplaces to embrace the whole person.

“It’s critical that organisations view their people as more than just workers and take the time to truly understand the often messy intersections between life and work in order to provide tailored support in meaningful and holistic ways.”

Originally published as About 2.7 million Aussie workers plan to quit their job in the next six to 12 months