Employee resignations reach a five-year high

XpertHR has revealed that the resignation rate has spiked steadily since 2012, when it stood at 10.6 per cent.

Employee resignations are at a five-year high with one in seven (15.5%) resigning from their job in 2016.

According to the latest data from XpertHR, a UK online source of legal compliance, labour turnover statistics from 288 organisations reveal that the resignation rate has spiked steadily since 2012, when it stood at 10.6%.

HR has the fourth highest voluntary resignation levels out of the groups measured, with rates increasing during the second year, reaching 8.2%, up from 7.4% in 2016 and 6.3% in 2015.

Meanwhile, other occupational groups with high levels include distribution, reaching 12.4% and publishing and events which increased to 12.3%.

“Monitoring staff turnover is important for all organisations so that they can respond quickly when levels reach a point that is damaging to the business. Our data on turnover rates among those with less than 12 months’ service shows just how important it is for HR to look carefully at its recruitment and selection strategy – and its onboarding process,” said Noelle Murphy, senior HR practice editor at XpertHR.

XpertHR also conducted research into recorded turnover rates among employees with less than 12 months’ service.

Data revealed that one in ten (ten%) of new starters resigned before completing a year’s service – with total turnover for all reasons at 11.4%.

Murphy added: “Ensuring new starters receive ongoing support and attention, and have the opportunity to raise any concerns as soon as possible, can help to avoid staff churn among this group.

“Losing an average of one in ten employees before completing one year of service is not only costly in terms of resources, but also for employee engagement among those already in post.”