Fewer Workers Planning A Job Change In Early 2025

Only 29% of U.S. workers plan to look for a new job in the first six months of the year, down from 35% in July 2024, reveals new survey.

Most professionals are happy in their current role and report high confidence in their skills and abilities, according to new research from Robert Half. The survey of more than 2,000 U.S. workers revealed an uptick in worker satisfaction, influencing job search plans in early 2025. Only 29% of professionals plan to look for a new job in the first six months of the year, down from 35% in July 2024, according to the research.

worker satisfaction, job change

Factors Contributing To Career Satisfaction

Most (81%) workers are generally satisfied in their current role, according to the research. The majority (88%) say their skills and experience align well with their job and most (86%) can maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Some additional factors contributing to career satisfaction include having:   

  • A competitive salary with regular merit increases (83%)
  • Fair workloads and job expectations (77%)
  • A positive work culture and team dynamic (77%)

“These findings reflect a positive trend in workplace satisfaction and culture but also signal potential hurdles for companies looking to expand their teams,” said Dawn Fay, operational president of Robert Half. “With fewer professionals actively seeking new opportunities, employers need to be strategic when it comes to attracting top talent.”

Worker Confidence Is High

worker satisfaction, job change
(Photo: Adobe Stock / Monster Ztudio)

While job search plans have declined, most workers (95%) are confident in their skills and abilities. Of those, 77% reported learning a new skill in the past 12 months to help improve their value. Separately, 76% said they are confident that they could find a new job if they needed to or were interested.

Younger Workers Most Likely To Make A Move

Gen Z (40%) and Millennial (35%) workers are the most likely to make a move in the next six months, according to the research. The top motivators for finding a new job include securing a salary increase, having access to better perks and benefits, and greater flexibility.

Common Hiring Pitfalls

When it comes to hiring, the research also identified key red flags that employers should avoid that may deter workers from applying to open positions:

  • No salary range in the job description (41%)
  • Vague or unreasonable job responsibilities, reporting lines and career path (36%)
  • Learning there has been high employee turnover (35%)

“To stand out, employers should be transparent with potential candidates and focus on offering compelling perks and benefits that resonate with today’s professionals,” Fay added. “Extra vacation time, expanded healthcare options, bonuses or added flexibility can make your company an attractive employer in a crowded market.”

Read more news and insights about workplace culture on Continuity Insights.

Business Continuity, Employees, Featured, Productivity, Professional Development, Workplace Culture

Career Satisfaction, Hiring Pitfalls, Job Change, Professional Development, Robert Half, Survey, Worker Confidence, Worker Satisfaction, Workforce Attraction, Workforce Retention

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