Two words companies have been hearing more of in 2010. In February, the number of employees voluntarily quitting surpassed the number being fired or let-go for the first time since October 2008.

Since the Bureau of Labor Statistics starting tracking such data the average numbers of employees quitting their jobs per month has been about 2.7 million. In October 2008 this number dropped to 1.72 million but now that employees feel the recession is taking a turn for the better this number is steadily increasing. March 2009 showed 1.87 million employees voluntarily quitting their jobs.

Human-resource consultant Right Management conducted a poll at the end of 2009 asking workers if they intended to leave their job when the market got better, 60% said yes.

Experts say there are 2 reasons for this increase. First, the natural turnover of employees leaving to advance their careers by either finding a better position or furthering their education. Secondly, employees were reluctant to leave their current job during the recession, these hang-ups are disappearing.

The cost of turnover can cost up to half of an employees yearly salary after recruitment and training. Companies are trying to find better ways to retain current employees such as concierge services, discounted lunches and hiring bonus. But most employees are looking for less stress at work, improving work-life balance and creating more opportunities internal and externally.

For some employees it may be to late for these types of incentives. What would it take for you to remain at a job you were not happy with? Money? Promotion? Happiness?

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