Surge in Canadian job seekers as confidence returns

A growing number of Canadian professionals are preparing to change jobs in the second half of 2026, signalling renewed confidence in the labour market after a prolonged period of caution.

According to new research from Robert Half, the survey of Canadian workers found that 44 per cent plan to look for a new job in the next six months, up from 33 per cent earlier in 2026 and 26 per cent one year ago.

The increase suggests many workers who had delayed career moves amid economic uncertainty are now re‑engaging with the job market. Interest in switching roles is particularly strong among millennial workers, as well as professionals in HR and technology fields.

Robert Half said the renewed momentum reflects a shift from stability‑focused decision‑making toward more proactive career planning, as workers seek better opportunities and alignment with long‑term goals.

“Over the past few years, many professionals have taken a more cautious approach to career moves, often prioritizing stability amid economic and workplace uncertainty,” said Koula Vasilopoulos, senior managing director at Robert Half. “We’re seeing a growing sense of confidence with more people re‑engaging in the job market.”

Better benefits and flexibility driving job moves

Workers cited a range of factors motivating their job search, with compensation and workplace quality leading the list. Better benefits and perks and greater career advancement opportunities were each cited by 38 per cent of respondents, followed by feeling underpaid relative to skills at 33 per cent.

Workplace flexibility also remains a key factor. One‑third of respondents said they are seeking more flexibility or remote work options, while among those choosing to stay in their current roles, nearly half said they are doing so to avoid losing the flexibility they already have.

The findings highlight how total compensation packages (including flexibility and work arrangements) have become central to both talent attraction and retention strategies.

AI adds complexity to job search

At the same time, job seekers expect the hiring process to become more competitive and complex, particularly as artificial intelligence becomes more widely used in recruitment.

Among those planning to look for work, 51 per cent said AI‑generated applications are increasing competition for available roles, while 46 per cent expressed concern about keeping their skills current as AI continues to evolve.

Robert Half said AI is reshaping how candidates apply for jobs, making it easier to submit applications but also creating challenges in standing out in a crowded field.

“AI is reshaping the job search in real and immediate ways,” Vasilopoulos said. “These tools can help candidates apply more easily, but they can also make it harder to stand out as applications become more uniform.”

The firm said job seekers will need to balance the use of AI tools with efforts to clearly communicate their individual experience and value, while continuing to build in‑demand skills.

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