New research from talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half indicates most workers plan to stay put in their current roles – at least for now. The survey of more than 2,000 U.S. professionals found that only 27% of workers plan to proactively look for a new job in the second half of the year– down from 29% in January and 35% one year ago.
Job Search Plans Decline as Workers Prioritize Stability
Of the 73% of workers planning to stay in their current roles, more than one-third (37%) say they value their current level of flexibility and do not want to risk losing it. Other top factors influencing their decision to stay include:
- A positive company culture and relationship with their manager (33%)
- Feeling professionally fulfilled in their current role (31%)
- Being well compensated (29%)
Workers Most Likely to Make a Move
According to the research, Gen Z (32%), Millennials (31%), and professionals in marketing and creative (34%) and technology (30%) are most likely to search for a new job in the next six months. For the first time since tracking worker sentiment, the research shows better benefits and perks (45%) ranks as the highest motivator for workers exploring new roles, followed by opportunities for career advancement (43%), and higher pay (42%).
“In today’s market, workers are carefully evaluating their current role and what matters most in their career,” said Dawn Fay, operational president of 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.”
Industry Change and Contract Work Gain Interest
While fewer professionals may be actively searching for jobs, of those who are considering a career move, 91% said they are interested in changing industries driven by a desire to:
- Earn a higher salary (66%)
- Improve their work/life balance (57%)
- Find more fulfilling work (42%)
- Access better career advancement opportunities (38%)
Additionally, 71% said they would consider a career in contracting in lieu of a full-time role.
Debunking Contract Work Myths
Contract work can be a popular career choice for the flexibility and experience it provides. Despite the benefits, there are a few common misconceptions. Robert Half offers insights to help professionals better understand the realities of contract roles:
- Myth: Contract work is just a steppingstone to a permanent role
- Reality: Many professionals actively choose contract work as a long-term career path. They value the autonomy to select projects that align with their interests, the flexibility to balance personal and professional priorities, and the opportunity to gain diverse experience across industries, teams, and technologies.
- Myth: Contract roles offer limited career advancement
- Reality: Professionals in contract roles often gain access to a variety of projects, tools, and environments that broaden their skill sets and deepen their expertise. This exposure to new challenges fosters adaptability and accelerates learning—qualities highly valued in today’s workforce.
- Myth: Contract positions are difficult to find
- Reality: In today’s job market, many companies are turning to flexible staffing solutions and relying on contract professionals to alleviate workloads and drive critical projects—without the long-term commitment of a permanent hire.
For more information and insights, visit Roberthalf.com.
