How workers are approaching job changes

Most professionals are staying put in their current roles, with fewer planning to look for new jobs compared to last year, according to recent research.

The survey from Robert Half of more than 2,000 workers found that just over one in four (27 per cent) intend to search for a new job in the second half of 2025. That’s down from 29 per cent in January and 35 per cent a year ago.

Among those planning to stay, more than one-third said they value their current flexibility and don’t want to risk losing it. Other top reasons include a positive company culture and strong manager relationships (33 per cent), feeling professionally fulfilled (31 per cent) and being well compensated (29 per cent).

Workers most likely to make a move include Gen Z (32 per cent), Millennials (31 per cent) and professionals in marketing, creative (34 per cent) and technology (30 per cent) roles. For the first time since Robert Half began tracking sentiment, it found that better benefits and perks ranked as the top motivator for job seekers at 45 per cent, followed by career advancement opportunities (43 per cent) and higher pay (42 per cent).

“In today’s market, workers are carefully evaluating their current role and what matters most in their career,” said Dawn Fay, operational president at Robert Half. “With fewer professionals actively seeking new opportunities, employers need to be more strategic in how they attract top talent for critical roles — that includes a focus on flexibility, career pathing and maintaining a positive workplace culture.”

The survey also found that among those considering a career move, more than nine in 10 are interested in changing industries, driven by the desire for higher salaries, better work-life balance and more fulfilling work. Contract work is also gaining traction, with 71 per cent saying they would consider it as an alternative to a full-time role.