The findings form part of the Kelly Global Workforce Index which canvassed the views of around 134,000 people in 29 countries, including more than 20,000 employees in Australia.

According to the research, more than 60 per cent of individuals in today's workforce will change careers and re-invent themselves at least once during their working life.

"The shift we have seen over recent years in regard to employee attitudes towards career progression [has] been significant," said Penny O'Reilly, general manager of Kelly Services Australia.

"During the downturn, people were only interested in having a job. Today we are seeing a return to the post-downturn trend where candidates wanted to better understand the progression opportunities that exist within an organisation before they consider joining."

According to O'Reilly, employees are demanding consideration, coaching, understanding and clear advancement opportunities from their employers.

"If these demands are not met, employees are showing a willingness to terminate the relationship," she said.

Along with negative relationships with direct managers, a feeling that there is little hope for career advancement, and situations where the reality of a role does not match what was promised, employees report that being overworked and stressed out, and having a lack of coaching or mentoring, are also factors behind career dissatisfaction.

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