For the first time since Jobvite began surveying workers and job seekers, money takes a back seat to career growth, according to the 2019 Job Seeker Nation Survey.

Career growth opportunities now rank number one (61 percent) on the list of most important factors when looking for new opportunities–surpassing the traditional first priorities, compensation (57 percent) and healthcare/retirement benefits (58 percent). This was especially true for younger workers (65 percent), while those who are unemployed are less likely to prioritize career growth (51 percent).

For those who left their jobs in the last 12 months, however, only 17 percent say money was the reason they sought greener pastures.

Men are more likely than women to consider growth within a company one of the most important factors when looking for new opportunities (66 percent vs. 57 percent), while women place more value on flexible hours and remote work (29 percent vs. 39 percent).

Jobvite's findings should alert employers to revamp their career path programs if they are found to be lacking, according to HRDive.

“Talent professionals might consider how continuous career development check-ins and learning and development programs can help retain employees who desire a path forward,” HRDive writes. “Though it can be difficult to find a program that satisfies workers' personal desires for growth while serving an employer's business goals, it's worth remembering that collaborative learning and self-guided learning resonates with talent.”

While career development has become increasingly important, Jobvite's survey respondents continue to rank some traditional benefits as “essential” – health plans (72 percent), 401(k) program (52 percent) and 401(k) matching (42 percent). Slightly less critical on the essential list: bonuses and stipends (39 percent), parental leave (30 percent), casual dress code (30 percent) and remote work (16 percent).

As for perks that respondents would like but aren't deal breakers if not offered, free snacks or meals top that list (50 percent), casual dress code (34 percent), cell phone and internet subsidies (30 percent), pet-friendly office (26 percent), paid family leave (23 percent), remote work (25 percent) and an education subsidy (20 percent).

Other key findings include:

– Nearly half (45 percent) of job seekers say it's harder to find a job than last year, but an increased number of job seekers (20 percent) also said it's easier finding work.

– More than half (59 percent) of survey respondents who currently work part-time say they're looking for full-time work and are considered “employed.”

– Employed workers can use professional networks to find that next opportunity versus those who are unemployed (38 percent vs. 18 percent).

– The college-educated (62 percent), city workers (53 percent), and those already employed (53 percent) are the most likely to continue their education and “upskill.”

– Candidates who drop out during the application process are most likely to do so after an in-person interview (15 percent).

– More than a quarter (29 percent) of workers have at some point left a job within the first 90 days, most often (45 percent) because the day-to-day role was not what they expected.

– Two-thirds (64 percent) of workers who received a text message after applying for a job preferred this type of communication over email or phone call.

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Instant Insights /

Forget the money, today's job seekers want career opportunities

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