The Great Dissatisfaction – addressing employee frustrations

With the economic environment and rising costs for businesses remaining causes for concern for employers over the next 12 months, and half of professionals citing a lack of career development as their reason for being unhappy with their roles, ’The Great Dissatisfaction’ is upon us.

But what does this mean?

Read on to discover what ‘The Great Dissatisfaction’ means for both professionals and organisations, the key to overcoming any issues or challenges that may arise from this trend and more, with insights taken from our 2025 Salary and Recruiting Trends Guide.

Understanding ‘The Great Dissatisfaction’

‘The Great Dissatisfaction’ can be traced back to a period of widespread job dissatisfaction that emerged during the late 1920s and 1930s, significantly influenced by the industrial and employment crises of the Great Depression. During this time, many workers experienced poor working conditions, low wages, and job insecurity.

In the wake of post-pandemic world, with a higher cost of living and professionals feeling there is a lack of career progression opportunities, we have entered another era of dissatisfaction.

According to our research, optimism about the long-term economic environment and its impact on job opportunities has decreased over the last year, with 49% of employers saying they’re currently optimistic compared to 58% last year, and 27% of employees optimistic in comparison to 56% who said the same in 2023. 

Optimism around the economy isn’t the only issue affecting the working world, as more than two fifths of workers (42%) believe there isn’t scope for career progression within their current organisation, a steep jump from the 27% who said the same last year.

Impact on employers

‘The Great Dissatisfaction’ affects employers in a number of ways, but its effects are noticeable on employee retention and recruitment. Dissatisfaction can lead to increased employee turnover, disrupting day-to-day operations and increasing staffing costs through the financial impact of frequent hiring, including advertising roles, interviewing potential candidates, and training new employees.

In the last 12 months, slightly over a quarter of professionals changed jobs, according to our latest 2025 Salary & Recruiting Trends guide. The main driver for this was a lack of career progression, with a quarter leaving their job for this reason.

With less than half of Irish professionals feeling positive about their career prospects in the year ahead, more than six of ten (61%) expect they will move jobs in the next 12 months, with a lack of future opportunities being the second highest reason to want to leave after salary. Employers therefore have to take proactive steps to retain talent in 2025.

Productivity and employee morale are other areas employers will likely notice are affected by individuals not satisfied in their job. Frequent changes in staff can also disrupt team cohesion and collaboration, leading to dissatisfaction across the board, and can also lead to damage of an organisation’s reputation as an employer.

How can employers mitigate ‘The Great Dissatisfaction’?

Offering clear pathways for professional development and progression are crucial to help your workforce understand the ways they can develop and grow in their roles. This extends to prospective candidates as well – be sure to include information in your job adverts and during interviews such as how your organisation invests in personal development and the career paths that are available.

There are also other factors to consider which matter to professionals. For example, an organisation’s purpose plays an important role in hiring, as 80% of employees say this is a consideration for them when assessing a potential new job. A further 80% of employees say a diverse and inclusive organisational culture is important to them when considering a new role and 73% of employees say the same about an organisation’s commitment to sustainability.

Opportunities for job seekers

Professionals can consider the impact ‘The Great Dissatisfaction’ has on their plans to find a new job. Dissatisfaction often highlights what is missing from your current role, causing you to look for roles that offer something better.

With over six out of ten planning to change jobs in the year ahead, the job market is lining up to be quite competitive. However, our survey findings show that 86% of employers are planning to hire in 2025, and with the Bank of Ireland recently revising their economic outlook for Ireland upwards, this indicates there are opportunities available for professionals.

If you’re not as satisfied as you could be in your role, and are thinking of making a change, an important part of this process is self-assessment. What are your current skills and interests both personally and professionally, and are there any you should be developing further to reach your career goals? Take the time to reflect on what you enjoy doing, what you are good at and what you value from a role to better guide your job search.

When searching for a new job, it’s important to emphasise the significance of finding employers who invest in your development and provide clear career paths. This then leads directly onto evaluating job offers. For example, consider factors such as company culture, career progression opportunities, work-life balance, benefits and more to help understand where to take your career next.

Conclusion

Addressing ’The Great Dissatisfaction’ is crucial for both employers and employees to thrive in the evolving job market. Employers must focus on retention strategies, career development opportunities, and maintaining a positive work environment to attract and retain top talent. Dissatisfied professionals, on the other hand, should leverage the competitive job market to find roles that align with their career goals and values, ensuring long-term job satisfaction and career growth.

By understanding and addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by ’The Great Dissatisfaction’, both employers and job seekers can navigate the 2025 employment market successfully and achieve their professional objectives.

Get in touch with your local Hays office to better understand how to avoid being dissatisfied, no matter your current role.