What Canadians are looking for as they eye career change

Canadian professionals are entering 2026 with renewed confidence in the job market, according to new research.

Talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half’s survey showed that 33 per cent of employed Canadians plan to look for a new job in the first half of the year, up from 26 per cent in July 2025.

“Many professionals chose not to make a job change throughout 2025, due to economic and global uncertainty, but signs of greater movement are showing as we enter 2026,” said Koula Vasilopoulos, senior managing director at Robert Half Canada. “Workers are once again highlighting the value they place on perks and benefits like flexibility, competitive salaries, and career growth, and are feeling less inclined than they were this past year to remain with organizations that aren’t providing those essential elements.”

Better benefits and perks emerged as the top motivator for job seekers, cited by 33 per cent of respondents, followed by competitive pay at 31 per cent and limited career advancement opportunities at 23 per cent. This is the second time since Robert Half began tracking worker sentiment that benefits have outranked pay as the leading factor in job search plans.

The survey also identifies groups most likely to make a move early in 2026: Technology professionals (43 per cent), Gen Z workers (41 per cent) and working parents (39 per cent). Robert Half said these segments reflect both demographic and industry trends, as tech roles remain in demand and younger workers continue to prioritize flexibility and growth.

However, job seekers face significant challenges despite their optimism. In a separate survey of 350 Canadians currently between roles, 61 per cent expect their job search to take longer than their previous one. The top obstacles include intense competition for positions, difficulty finding roles that match workplace preferences and challenges showcasing qualifications. Lengthy hiring processes and skills gaps also rank among the most common frustrations.

“Job seekers are facing new challenges in the current landscape, and it may feel harder than ever to stand out in a crowded market,” Vasilopoulos added. “Keeping skills current and prominently featured in applications, networking effectively, and researching areas of demand to focus the search can all help with landing the right opportunity.”

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