Whether it’s down to burnout, boreout, rubbish pay or a toxic boss, it’s all too easy to feel entirely unmotivated when it comes to work. Soon enough, you’re waking up each day and groaning at the thought of having to trudge into work again. It all feels so pointless. 

When this lack of drive is left unchecked, it has an impact. According to new research, two in three ‘unmotivated’ workers are looking for new jobs as a result of this feeling. 

Recruitment agency Aspire surveyed more than 900 jobseekers to discover why so many of us are looking for new roles at the moment. They found that 65.5% of people are on the job hunt due to feeling demotivated at work, 77% of employees have applied for a new job while working in their current role, and 62% of those have got as far as the interview stage. 

This trend points to a need for bosses to check in on employees and make sure they’re feeling actively engaged – unless they want to risk losing great people. 

Responding to the findings, Aspire’s global managing director Terry Payne, said: “Our latest research shows that lots of candidates are currently demotivated. Whatever’s causing it – whether it’s inflexible working practices, below-inflation pay rises or something else altogether – these workers are looking for a new role to get out of the rut.

“These results may be unwelcome reading for employers, but as with every grey cloud, there’s a silver lining. Candidates have given a clear indication of what they want from their next role, providing valuable insight into how employers can not only attract talent but retain it too.

“Many businesses will welcome the news that so many candidates are actively looking for work. But the circumstances present a double-edged sword; employers may also face churn in their existing workforce. Bringing in new staff is no good if existing employees are on their way out.

“Alongside a recruitment strategy that identifies talent and attracts employees to the business, employers should also be thinking carefully about how to keep their employees motivated and engaged.”

Images: Getty