19.12.12
According to the results of a poll of Adecco, almost half of all Greeks who are of a “productive age” are seeking employment abroad. The findings were presented on Tuesday by Adecco director Konstantinos Milonas, who noted that 3% have already accepted an offer. In the same research 30% of respondents stated that at least one more member of their family is also seeking employment abroad.
The research suggested that the main reasons for migration are the recession and high unemployment rates; 36% blamed unemployment and difficulty entering the job market, 29% the lack of potential and just 12% attributed their intention to migrate to low wages.
39% stated that they are currently unemployed, while of the remaining 48% work full-time and 13% part time. The majority of those unemployed explained that they were out of a job after their contract was terminated by their previous employer, with a 30% claiming to be unemployed for over two years.
Hopes for the future
When asked what they expect to find outside of Greece, a 63% of respondents answered better wages, 58% a better quality of life and 47% expected a merit-based professional development. Regarding wages, 29% would migrate for a monthly wage of 2,000 euros, while 28% would be settle for 1,500 euros.
About 14% would like to find employment that is relative to their previous job experience, 34% would prefer a relevant subject and 51% would be willing to try something entirely different to their area of specialization.
More than half (53%) claimed to be determined to leave Greece as soon as a job is available elsewhere, whereas 41% claimed they would only migrate if the job satisfies them.
Digital search tools
Then Internet appears to be the most popular means of searching for a job. 42% primarily used professional job-seeking websites, 37% relied on the websites of foreign companies that interest them and 33% said that they sourced their information from Greek websites that specialize in job placements abroad. Just 16% relies on companies providing Human Resources services.
Destination: EU?
As to the preferred destination, the EU attracts a 70% of interviewees, with a preference for Great Britain, Germany and France, 45% would prefer to migrate to developed countries outside the EU (such as the USA and Australia) and just 12% is trying to move to developed countries outside the EU (such as in the Middle East).
When questioned what deters people from looking for a job outside Greece, 32% answered that it was due to the emotional ties to Greece, 14% responded that it was due to taking care of dependent people (children, elderly relatives etc) and 10% because they are satisfied with their current professional and financial state.
