Everyone is generally looking forward to the end of the current recession. But employers should also prepare for an HR problem likely to come after the upturn.

Once more jobs are available, current employees will be jumping ship to take them. In fact, 54% say they plan on changing jobs once the economy rebounds, according to a survey from Adecco Group North American.

The numbers are even worse for younger folks. Of employees age 18-29, 71% plan to jump ship.

Why? Often, it has to do with conditions worsening at employees’ current jobs, Adecco says. When employees see co-workers laid off and have to work longer hours with no pay increase, it’s common to become disgruntled.

That’s why it’s HR’s job to help managers keep employees as happy as possible right now. Some supervisors may assume they don’t have to worry about retention in this economy, but as the survey above shows, that attitude will only backfire later.

Tags: Adecco Group, recession, turnover