Workplace research suggests a large portion of the Australian workforce would like to leave their jobs, and many are looking to the US for more engaging employment.

The study conducted by Morgan McKinley surveyed 1,000 professionals from a range of industries.

More than half said they saw limited possibilities for career progression at their jobs.

Fifty-five per cent of participants defined ‘career progression’ in terms of the overall package they were offered, though a quarter said getting more responsibility showed them they were advancing.

Fifty-five per cent of respondents said they were looking to leave their current role in coming months.

According to the survey, more than half of Australian workers would consider a job opportunity overseas.

About a third of those surveyed would choose to relocate to the US or Canada.

The most popular choices in Asia were Singapore and Hong Kong.

“The fact that most Australian workers would opt to relocate to the US or Canada, given the choice, is very interesting,” Louise Langridge, joint managing director of Morgan McKinley, told reporters at HR press HCA Magazine.

“There’s been a bit of a shift in the last few years – before this, the UK or Europe would have been up there.

“The prevalence of digital and agile companies as seen in places like the Silicon Valley has led to a lot more workers around the globe looking to the US, where they are seeing more innovation.

“Our research showed that people were open to relocation, but it isn’t something that they absolutely have to have.

“Employers should focus on having a good proposition locally, as well as holding open conversations with their staff about what they are looking for in terms of career progression.”

“The Australia-wide talent shortage makes this a real area that organisations need to think about.

“There are lots of opportunities for talented individuals, and if they are not happy and feel they don’t have any opportunity for career progression, we are seeing them look elsewhere.”