Our recent Salary Survey revealed almost two thirds of marketers want to leave their current roles in the next 12 months. This is especially true among more junior members of staff. Our research also showed average job satisfaction among B2B marketers is a fairly modest 6.8/10.
It seems normal to be unhappy in your job. I always seems to have friends (not just marketers) who are speaking about how fed up they are, and how much they want to move on to something better. I’m pleased to say I’m not among them (but I have been in the past). For so many, as the saying goes, ‘the grass is always greener’.
Of course, employees have to take some personal responsibility for making the most of opportunities. And you have to be prepared to work hard to be rewarded. It’s also true that happiness at work comes with finding a role that suits someone’s strengths and personality. But in the current job market, in marketing and elsewhere, too many employees are unhappy, dreaming about a job where they will be recognised for their hard work and supported along the way.
There are plenty of companies and leaders out there that know how to get the best out of their staff and build happy, productive teams; the best push their employees to their limits (in a positive way) and may even encourage and help them to move on when they recognise opportunities elsewhere might be the best next step in their career.
Plenty of factors contribute to happiness at work, ranging from opportunities for flexible working and the person sitting next to you. But too many businesses take their staff for granted, fail to recognise their achievements and don’t do enough to provide real opportunities for personal and professional development. They have to remember the most successful teams and companies are the ones that not only value their staff (and show it), but also make sure they are truly involved and included. Employees who know they’ve made a difference, and are acknowledged for it (not just financially), will be happier, more productive and will be much more likely to stay on and contribute to long-term growth and success.
B2B Marketing’s Salary Survey 2016-17 is a groundbreaking piece of research, placing B2B marketing salaries under the spotlight. The report, produced in partnership with B2B market research specialist Circle Research compares salaries according to job role, gender and industry, and examines the B2B job market. The report is available for free to premium members, and can be purchased by non-members.
