A new survey suggests a large number of middle-class South Africans are taking jobs overseas or thinking about it. Image: Adobe Stock
SA’s middle-class scrambling to leave for good – survey
One in five working South Africans is either leaving the country or in the process of leaving, according to a new survey.
A new survey suggests a large number of middle-class South Africans are taking jobs overseas or thinking about it. Image: Adobe Stock
Middle-class South Africans have seemingly had it with this country, with many trying to leave for greener pastures. This has been found in a new survey by InfoQuest, according to BusinessTech.
According to the report, the group surveyed a small sample of 300 working South Africans which potentially represents thousands of skilled workers in the country.
It found that 5% of the respondents are in the process of emigrating while 14% are seriously considering moving abroad. One in three respondents say they have thought about emigrating but haven’t acted on this yet.
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Opportunities for middle-class South Africans have expanded
Labour force changes in many developed countries have encouraged global entities to recruit more professionals from developing countries like South Africa. The so called “great resignation”, where professionals are ditching office jobs for remote or flexible work is one such change.
According to a recent Forbes report, workers have resigned in record numbers globally in a trend that is expected to continue in 2022.
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The publication cites a PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) survey which found that one in five workers globally are considering resigning in 2022. For 71% of those surveyed, pay was the main reason behind their decision to quit. However factors such as the desire for flexibility and general well-being were also considered in the decision.
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Although a significant number of people in South Africa may be thinking of leaving the country, around half of the respondents in the InfoQuest survey want to stay.
These respondents are happy to remain in the country and have not thought about leaving. Opportunities for those who want to stay but want to work more flexibly are also on the increase.
According to a Sunday Times report, South Africa is seeing an increase in people taking up remote jobs from overseas employers.
