The design industry is in a state of flux as disgruntled employees and distraught agencies face the recession head-on for the fourth-plus year.

The annual Design Industry Voices survey, implemented by Fairley & Associates, Gabriele Skelton and On Pointe Marketing, points to an industry screaming for change. Problems facing design agencies stem from an over-reliance on junior or unpaid staff, a crisis in leadership and a lack of professional respect for designers’ work. This concoction of problems has caused 59% of respondents to indicate that they intend to switch jobs within the year.

One respondent says, “It is a fear-based workplace on both ends; employers sticking with what is safe and employees being frightened because they de-value themselves. This does not fare well for innovation...”

The survey also notes that design agencies are being asked to produce more work for less money and that there is increasing competition during the unpaid pitch process. One person calls for a professional design body capable of moderating and lobbying for the industry. Internally, employees at agencies perceive a delivery gap of 53% for their management teams’ leadership skills. This has led to a significant lack of employee satisfaction and employee engagement.

Karina Beasley, co-author of the survey and MD of Gabriele Skelton, says, “There is a general sense of instability. We hope 2013 will be better as agencies adjust to working with smaller budgets and more smartly. But it’s vital that their business strategy is better communicated so that staff know what to expect.”