Think most departing employees are leaving for more money? Think again.

According to a recent survey, stress, not money, is the primary factor for employees who change jobs.

According to a story in the Vancouver Sun, consulting firm Watson Wyatt found most employers thought money was the top consideration for someone considering quitting his or her job.

But when the same survey was given to employees, they cited stress as the No. 1 reason they might leave.

"It may be stress difficulty with a colleague, with the work environment or their immediate boss," said Liz Wright, a Watson Wyatt spokeswoman.

The survey found that employers ranked stress near the bottom of their list of factors that would cause employees to terminate their jobs.

Meanwhile, employees ranked money last on their list. After stress, they said they were more likely to leave a job due to:

• A lack of balance between work and a personal life.
• Lack of promotional opportunities.
• Lack of confidence in their bosses. Last on their list was money.

A psychologist noted that employees should learn how to balance life and work, but added several ideas companies should consider for reducing stress in their workplace:

• Employee assistant programs.
• More flexible scheduling.
• Maternity and paternity leave.
• Better training for management.