The College of Doctoral Studies at University of Phoenix has released a whitepaper that delves into the reasons why American employees leave their jobs. The paper, “American Workers’ Reasons for Switching Jobs,” offers insights into the contributing factors of employee turnover, examines employer initiatives to reduce turnover and considers an ecosystem approach to removing operational silos between employers, employees, educators and policymakers.

Louise Underdahl, Ph.D., a research fellow with the Center for Educational and Instructional Technology (CEITR) at the University, wrote the whitepaper, which suggests possible solutions that companies and organizations can implement to improve staff satisfaction and, by extension, improve their employee retainment.

Career Optimism Index® Study Offers Insights Into Workforce Trends

The whitepaper features conclusions drawn from data collated in the 2022 University of Phoenix Career Institute™ Career Optimism Index® study, one of the most comprehensive studies to explore the career viewpoints of U.S. citizens. Conducted annually, this research provides insights into current workforce trends and identifies solutions to support and advance employees’ careers and create equity in the workplace.

The latest annual study surveyed more than 5,000 U.S. adults on their current feelings regarding their careers. Respondents reflected on their concerns, challenges, the degree to which they are optimistic about aspects of their careers and their advancement in the future.

The University of Phoenix Career Institute™ conducted the study across a diverse, nationally representative sample of U.S. adults to allow for gender, generational, racial and socioeconomic differences. The Institute also included an analysis of workers in the top 20 media markets across the country to uncover geographic nuances.

This year, the Career Optimism Index® also explored insights from 500 U.S. employers who are influential or play a critical role in hiring and workplace decisions within a range of departments, company sizes and industries. This exploration provided a comparison between the workforce and those who are responsible for hiring, training and retaining staff.

The study demonstrated that 52 percent of U.S. citizens are either actively searching for a job or anticipate that they will seek job opportunities in the next six months. Individuals are likely looking to switch careers because of suboptimal compensation, lack of opportunity for career progression, misalignment of corporate and individual values and the desire to balance work and life priorities, work flexible hours and avoid lengthy commutes.

Underdahl noted that “addressing post-COVID-19 workforce challenges mandates coordination and cooperation between employers, employees, educators and policymakers; silos have no place.”

University of Phoenix Provides Full Access to the Whitepaper

Users can access the full whitepaper at the University’s Career Institute™ webpage, where they will also find further information about the institute and the Career Optimism Index®. Alternatively, a direct link to the “American Workers’ Reasons for Switching Jobs” whitepaper is available here.

About Louise Underdahl and the College of Doctoral Studies

Louise Underdahl completed her doctorate at the University of Southern California. She is a reviewer at University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies’ Dissertation to Publication Workshop, and, since 2019, has been co-leader of the College of Doctoral Studies Alumni Special Interest Group. Underdahl has received multiple faculty recognition awards for her contributions to University of Phoenix, where she has taught since 2004. She has won Phoenix500 Awards in 2021 and 2022, the Distinguished Service Award for Scholarly Leadership in 2019 and the Faculty Excellence Award in 2018.

The University’s College of Doctoral Studies focuses on meeting modern-day business and organizational needs, from addressing critical social issues to developing solutions to advance community building and industry growth. The College’s research program positions students in the center of an effective ecosystem of experts, resources and tools to shape them into the leaders of future organizations, industries and communities. This program enables students and researchers to work with organizations to conduct research that can be applied in the workplace.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is committed to advancing the educational goals of adult and nontraditional learners and to supporting students as they navigate the career options and degree programs best suited to their interests. The University’s degree programs are aligned with numerous in-demand career paths including in cybersecurity, criminal justice, behavioral sciences, nursing and business. What’s more, the University provides flexible start dates, online classes and many scholarship opportunities to make it possible for anyone to earn the degree they need to thrive. This way, students who otherwise may not be able to attend university can overcome barriers to qualify for the career they really want or need.

In addition, the University of Phoenix’s Career Services for Life® commitment to active students and graduates provides the resources needed to be competitive in the workforce for no additional charge. These include resume and interview support, career guidance and education and networking opportunities. For more information about the University, visit www.phoenix.edu.