For a long time, most companies considered job hopping a negative trait of a potential employee. Job hopping often made it difficult for job seekers to land that dream position.
In recent years, though, job hopping has lost its stigma. Instead, it is now seen as a career pattern that comes with unexpected advantages.
What Is Job Hopping?
In plain terms, job hopping happens when an individual works for multiple companies in one year, spending only weeks or months at each business. Job hoppers typically change jobs voluntarily in search of something more challenging or with better pay.
What Is Considered Job Hopping?
The concept of job hopping differs from industry to industry. What is considered job hopping in the financial sector may not be seen as job hopping in the industrial sector. Some employers may consider changing jobs every few months as job hopping, while others may think of job hopping as happening every two to three years.
Why Is Job Hopping Increasing?
Job hopping continues to increase because of the promise of career advancement and higher salaries. Moreover, because technology is advancing at an unbelievable rate, job seekers see and experience the job market differently. Add evolving workplace dynamics, and it is clear why job hopping is popular today.
The Relationship Between Millennials, Gen Z, and Job Hopping
The Millennials and Gen Z or Zoomers are making the most of the job-hopping trend. These workforce generations look for meaningful jobs offering a better work-life balance.
Zoomers, in particular, want to work for companies that allow flexibility and personal development while keeping their values intact. They focus on companies that put humans first and find ways to protect the planet during daily work activities.Millennials constantly search for better opportunities, with 36% willing to leave a current job within a year if a new option arises and the job market improves.
Reasons Why Employees Job Hop
There are several more reasons why employees choose to job-hop. These include skills development, getting better benefits, and finding a company with a desirable work culture. When these factors get neglected in the workplace, it encourages employees to look for them elsewhere.
The Profile of a Job Hopper: His Skills and What He Can Bring to a Company
A typical job hopper is highly skilled in his chosen industry. Even so, he wants to keep learning to increase his pay and provide value to his company. He offers fresh ideas and perspectives to each company he works for. He also brings innovative ideas and in-depth knowledge to the company. Furthermore, a typical job hopper is not afraid of change and is usually ready to jump into the deep end and make things happen.
Is Job Hopping Good or Bad?
It depends on the perspectives of the employer. The following are some pros and cons of job hopping for companies:
Pros of Job Hopping for Companies
The biggest advantage of job hopping for a company is immediate access to skilled talent. Job hoppers bring diverse work experiences with them and can use them to help build up a business. They also have a wide network of business connections after working for several companies. A job hopper can use these connections to help their current employer attract top talent and strong partnerships.
Job hopping also helps fill a skills gap in a company, and it does so faster than training or upskilling. Lastly, job hoppers typically have vast technology experience, which is invaluable for startups or online businesses. It is easy for them to adapt to a remote working environment common in the digital marketing and IT industries. This is invaluable to companies seeking to expand their team with skilled employees who need minimal onboarding.
Cons of Job Hopping for Companies
A high employee turnover means more investment in recruitment and training. This can deplete a company’s cash flow. Constantly replacing employees costs money that should have helped grow the business.
When skilled employees leave, they take their expertise and knowledge with them. This may create gaps in the existing workflow, impacting productivity. Constant departures may also demotivate the staff that stays behind, which could impact project outcomes.
How Kilpatrick Can Help Companies Find and Retain the Best Job Hoppers
As an established HR services provider and headhunting firm, Kilpatrick Executive has a deep understanding of the job-hopping trend and knows how businesses can benefit from it. We can help you find and retain the best job hoppers to fill critical areas in your organization. Our highly skilled recruiters and consultants focus on finding a fitting candidate for each client, ensuring we meet your business requirements.
If you’re aiming for increased productivity, a better brand reputation, and improved customer service, contact Kilpatric Executive today.