We are pleased to give you the first set of results from the latest survey from global workforce solutions leader Kelly Services which contains, for the first time, respondents from South Africa thanks to the participation of the Kelly Group.

The Kelly Global Workforce Index, an annual survey, revealing opinions about work and the workplace from a generational viewpoint. Approximately 97 000 people in 30 countries, including approximately 1 100 in South Africa, gave their views. For those of you who took the time to participate in the survey, our sincere gratitude.

We signed a global partnering agreement with Kelly Services in June last year which allows both parties to improve their ability to serve their clients outside their traditional geographical areas and to collaborate on certain projects like this survey.

The results show that more than three-quarters of South Africans would be willing to relocate for the right job, with many even prepared to move to another country or continent in order to secure their preferred position.

By far the most mobile workers are among Gen Y (aged 18-29) who are more footloose than their Gen X (aged 30-49) and baby boomer (aged 50-65) counterparts, including being more willing to travel across the globe for the right job.

The survey, conducted from October 2010 through January 2011, also reveals a significant number of people working in “unconventional arrangements,” involving long or unusual hours, multiple jobs, living away from home or excessive travel.

A total of 77% of respondents say they are prepared to move for the right job. While 46% are prepared to move within the country, 32% are willing to relocate to another country or continent.

The most desirable destination for South African job-seekers is Europe, nominated by 39%, well ahead of North America (18%), elsewhere in Africa (9%), South America (6%), Middle East (6%), and Asia Pacific (5%).

Results of the survey in South Africa show:
• 35% of Gen Y are prepared to travel abroad for the right job, compared with 29% of both Gen X and baby boomers. Men are also more willing to move than women.
• Among various industry sectors, those working in science, and engineering are the most prepared to shift countries for work (55% and 42% respectively).
• The overwhelming factor preventing people from moving abroad for a job is “family and friends,” cited by 59%, followed by the cost of moving (25%), language barriers (7%), and cultural differences (3%).
• The desire to move to a different continent is driven by “the experience” rather than setting up permanent residence, with 50% prepared to stay for three years or less.
• One-third are working in what they consider unconventional arrangements. Of these, the most common grievance is “long hours,” affecting 37%, followed by unusual hours (22%), multiple jobs (18%), excessive travel (12%), and living away from home (6%).
• 45% of those working in unconventional arrangements believe they can only continue doing so for up to one year. However, almost a quarter (23%) say they can sustain it “indefinitely.”

Each set of results will be released quarterly as the data is analysed and disseminated. The focus of the results include: social media and networking; drivers of career choice and progression; and effective employers or employers of choice. We will keep you informed as and when the results are released.

For more information about these survey results and other key global findings, please visit Kelly Global Workforce Index.