More than 20 percent of retail employees are dissatisfied with their positions and hope to quit this year, according to a new poll from CareerBuilder and WorkInRetail.com.

Some 51 percent of retail workers profess satisfaction with their jobs, down from 60 percent in 2013, said the poll of full-time retail employees conducted by Harris Interactive. Some 22 percent, however, pronounced themselves dissatisfied, up from 17 percent last year.

In addition, 24 percent of full-time retail employees plan to change jobs in 2014, up from 20 percent in 2013. That is also three points above the average for all workers (21 percent).

“When workers are confident they can find a better job elsewhere, it’s a sign the labor market is improving,” said Rob Morris, director of WorkInRetail.com, in a statement. “As a result, employers must double down on efforts to retain top talent. Managers should listen carefully to employee feedback, implement incentive rewards, and consistently recognize strong performance.”

When employees were asked why they stay in their current jobs, the most frequently given answer was “I like the people I work with,” cited by 59 percent. Also mentioned: “I have a good work/life balance” (the choice of 49 percent); “I have good benefits” (43 percent); “I have a quick commute” (40 percent); “I have a good boss who watches out for me” (34 percent); “There still is a lot of uncertainty in the job market” (31 percent);  “I make a good salary” (29 percent); and “I have a flexible schedule or can telecommute” (25 percent).

Rob Bates

JCK News Director