A fifth of employees plan to quit their job in 2014 according to new research that also highlights the need for managers to improve their leadership skills.

The study of 1,001 workers by the Institute of Leadership and Management, found that of the staff who are preparing to change job, 16% want to leave because they do not feel valued.

In addition to the workers planning to leave their current job, a further 31 per cent are unsure about whether they will stay in their current role, suggesting employers face a high staff turnover in the coming months.

Charles Elvin, ILM’s chief executive, said the New Year is always a popular time for workers to look ahead and think about how they can progress.

The survey also illustrates just how crucial it is that workers feel valued in the workplace. As many workers like to make a change at this time of year, it is important that organisations offer them the chance to learn new skills and opportunities to progress wherever possible.

The ILM said that the findings revealed a desire to improve the standards of leadership in organisations, with 19% of respondents hoping to improve their own leadership skills this year and 17% hoping for more transparent leadership from their boss.

The survey reinforces the importance of leadership to workers in the UK, and in particular the desire for greater transparency in the workplace, Elvin added.