A study conducted by the Dutch-based human resource consulting firm Randstad Workmonitor indicates that despite the Greek government’s efforts, the Greek people do not have high expectations of an improvement of finances for 2014.
Of the 32 countries included in the study, Greece has the highest rate of pessimists, with 75% of Greek respondents expecting that the financial situation will get worse in 2014. The average rate amongst countries in the south of Europe, which have been affected the most by the financial crisis, is about 65%.
The older generations in Greece are particularly pessimistic about the future, with 84% of 44-to-54 year-olds not expecting any improvement in 2014. About 13% of Greeks are actively searching for a new job, with 13.4% having changed jobs in the second half of 2013. Additionally, 30% of respondents reported that they changed jobs in search of better working conditions, while a further 30% claimed they simply wanted a “change”.
About 26% claimed to change jobs due to administrative changes (such as mergers and restructures), while 17.7% cited dissatisfaction with their employer. A total of 36% expects to find a job within their field in first half of 2014, while 42% expects to have found a job in a different sector.
The study also revealed that about 50% of Greeks fear losing their job in 2014. This is not only the highest rate amongst European countries participating in the study, but also the second highest rate worldwide, after India (51%).
