Job Desperation in the “Liquid Society”: Prioritising Work Recognition and Reassurance over Financial Satisfaction

Research overview

What makes employees feel compelled to leave—and can better pay address it? Drawing on a survey of 509 US employees, this study examines job desperation within an increasingly uncertain world of work. Salary satisfaction was not a significant predictor in the model, while job uncertainty, unfair treatment, and workplace and social well-being were associated with desperation. Job desperation was also strongly associated with intentions to quit and job search. The findings invite leaders to look beyond financial incentives and consider fairness, recognition, belonging, and reassurance as part of a broader approach to employee retention.