New Zealand has the fifth highest job turnover rates in the world, according to the Kelly Global Workforce Index. Experts said that New Zealanders are willing to take risks and change jobs more often in a reviving economic environment.

Out of 31 countries, New Zealand took the fifth spot for the highest number of people changing jobs. More than half or 55 per cent of Kiwis said they switched jobs. New Zealanders considering changing jobs were 30 per cent. Only 14 per cent of Kiwis said they were happy and content with their jobs.

Respondents of the survey said they left their previous jobs to pursue opportunities for personal growth and advancement. Those who were motivated to leave for a better or higher salary were only 11 per cent.

One important factor cited by respondents was the culture and reputation of the company, with 30 per cent who said they would recommend a company to friends who excelled in those areas.

Recruitment agency Kelly Services commissioned the survey to determine how often people change jobs and the reasons that cause them to leave. Over 120,000 people participated in the survey and 3,50 of them were New Zealanders.

The results of the Kelly Global Workforce Index should be viewed as a positive sign. David Lowe from the Employers and Manufacturers Association NZ said that the labour market in the country was sluggish. Many people didn't want to risk the security of income with their jobs.

As New Zealand's economy appears to be getting stronger, people have more freedom to choose other work opportunities. When people are changing jobs, it is a sign that Kiwis are moving and the economy is on its way to recovery.

Mr Lowe said if employers wanted to avoid a high turnover rate, they should focus on boosting employee morale. In the last few years, some companies allowed their employees to work in unconventional places and offer work-at-home options.

One example is Google which encouraged its employees to work in play areas and scribble on office walls. Mr Lowe said that introduction of unorthodox practices depends on the nature of the job as well as worker personality.

A University of Auckland's Human Resource Development professor, Nigel Haworth, said that New Zealand was becoming a high-performance workplace model. This allows employees to have better skills and enjoy greater freedom and responsibilities. When the level of performance is raised, this naturally leads to higher pay. Mr Haworth said people will be more likely to remain and stick to their jobs if these factors are in place.

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