Take Advantage of Employee Turnover

By Maria Hanson, LiveCareer

According to a recent large workplace survey for Adecco, conducted by Harris Interactive, the majority of workers are unhappy with their current work situation. Specifically:

• 66% are dissatisfied with their compensation
• 76% are dissatisfied with their opportunities for career growth
• 78% are dissatisfied with the retention efforts made on behalf of their employers.

Career experts anticipate that this job dissatisfaction will translate into a mass exodus once the economy turns around. When more jobs become available, employees will be more than happy to leave behind job stagnation and flagging wages to hunt for better employment opportunities offering greater job satisfaction.

Companies that don't make changes now should be prepared to lose even their top employees. "We're surprised to see how many companies have not improved (employee relations) during the recession, but have become more Draconian," says HR specialist Glen Earl. "Those type of companies will see massive turnover."

Fortunately for you, you can take advantage of this impending employee exodus to further your career. Here are some tips from hiring experts:

1. Shoot for a promotion. As leadership positions open up, so do promotion opportunities. "If you've been frustrated by the lack of upward mobility, the next six months may represent the best opportunity for advancement in years," says David Lewis, of Express Employment Professionals.

Practical tip: Self-promote by sharing ideas and success with upper management. And don't forget to emphasize your loyalty, "especially to baby boomer bosses," Lewis says.

2. Contribute to employee retention. Chances are that your company's top brass will be reeling from the impact of losing employees. One way to get in their corner is to offer suggestions on how to retain employees, says Lewis.

Practical tip: "If you hear frustration about the lack of a retirement plan, for example, suggest privately to your boss that they consider adding it so the company doesn't lose more employees," says Lewis. "Done correctly, you will win for loyalty, initiative, and foresight."

3. Aim for a better compensation package. Have you been hankering for a raise or better benefits? This may be the time you'll get everything you've hoped for – and more. "We will likely see the return of employees being sat down and kept happy with enhancements like perks, cars, cell phones, better benefits, deferred comp packages, profit sharing, raises, bonuses, commissions, and more responsibility," says Paul Sorbera, president of Alliance Consulting.

Practical tip: If you're not offered a raise, ask for one. But make sure you're not taking advantage of a crippled company. Asking for too much can make you look like a vulture and can even backfire. Before making any salary requests, check out your real market value with an online salary calculator.

4. Move out and move up. Some companies have treated their employees well throughout the recession and will likely hang on to their workers. But if you don't feel like you're getting what you deserve at your current job, it may be time to launch your job search.

Practical tip: If you are ready for a new job, but not sure what direction to go, taking an aptitude test can be a quick and easy way to pinpoint your unique career profile and identify your best career path.

You may need to hone your skills--or acquire new skills and knowledge-- to find a new job. Find the right degree and university program to help you achieve your career goals.

When you're ready to start applying for jobs, make sure your resume is in good shape. If not, use online resources such as a resume test to measure the effectiveness of your resume and bring it up-to-date and ensure its effectiveness as a job search tool.