Nearly Half of U.S. Workers Plan to Look for a New Position in the New Year

Rhea-AI Summary

Research from Robert Half indicates growing job optimism among U.S. workers despite economic uncertainty. The Job Optimism Survey, which included over 2,500 professionals, reveals that 46% are currently seeking or planning to seek new roles in early 2023, an increase from 41% previously. Key motivators for job changes include higher salaries (61%) and better benefits (37%). Notably, younger professionals (ages 18-25) and those in HR are most likely to make career moves. The survey emphasizes the importance for employers to refine hiring practices to attract talent.

Positive

• 46% of workers are looking for new roles, an increase from 41% six months ago.
• Key job search motivators include higher salaries (61%) and better benefits (37%).
• Younger workers (ages 18-25) show the highest interest in job changes (60%).

Negative

• None.

• Robert Half research points to increased job optimism and more voluntary quits despite economic uncertainty
• Professionals share their top job search motivators

MENLO PARK, Calif., Dec. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Many workers will be eyeing greener pastures in the new year despite economic uncertainty, research from talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half shows. According to the company's biannual Job Optimism Survey of more than 2,500 professionals in the U.S., 46% of respondents are currently looking or plan to look for a new role in the first half of 2023, up from 41% six months ago.

Those most likely to make a career move in early 2023 are:

• 18- to 25-year-olds (60%)
• Human resources professionals (58%)
• Employees who have been with their company for 2-4 years (55%)
• Working parents (53%)

View an infographic of the research highlights and results over time and by age, tenure, practice area and city.

"Noise around hiring freezes and layoffs at some companies hasn't seemed to faze workers — many are just as confident in their job prospects as they were six months ago," said Paul McDonald, senior executive director of Robert Half. "The labor market remains tight, and professionals are curious about exploring new and more fulfilling career paths."

The Call of Contracting and 'Employers Past'

Increased demand for contract talent may be why nearly 3 in 10 professionals (29%) are considering quitting their job to pursue a full-time contracting career. Boomeranging back to a previous employer is also a consideration for 4 in 10 professionals, who said they would return to a former company if given a salary equal to or higher than their current pay.

Job Search Motivators

For the fourth Job Optimism Survey in a row, money ranked as the top motivator for making a career move. Workers said the main reasons they plan to look for a new job in the first half of 2023 are:

1. A higher salary (61%)
2. Better benefits and perks (37%)
3. Greater flexibility to choose when and where they work (36%)

Employers looking to land top talent in 2023 should refine and streamline hiring processes and showcase their company culture. When applying for positions, top turn-offs that cause candidates to lose interest are:

1. Unclear or unreasonable job responsibilities (56%)
2. Poor communication with the hiring manager (50%)
3. Misalignment with the company culture and values (36%)

McDonald added, "The employment landscape is changing day to day, and it will be interesting to see how the next few months pan out. Regardless of what happens, employers can't take their foot off the pedal when it comes to earning trust and driving engagement with current staff and creating a positive experience for potential hires."

About the Research

Robert Half's Job Optimism Survey tracks worker sentiment on current and future career prospects and reveals key implications for employers. It's an independent online survey of more than 2,500 workers 18 years of age or older in finance, technology, marketing and creative, legal, administrative and customer support, human resources, and other areas at companies with 20 or more employees in the U.S. (conducted Oct. 17 to Nov. 7, 2022).

About Robert Half

Robert Half (NYSE: RHI) is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions and business consulting firm that connects people with meaningful work and provides companies with the talent and subject matter expertise they need to confidently compete and grow. Visit roberthalf.com and download the company's award-winning mobile app.

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SOURCE Robert Half

FAQ

What does the Robert Half Job Optimism Survey reveal about worker sentiments for 2023?

The survey shows that 46% of U.S. workers are seeking or planning to seek new jobs in early 2023, up from 41% six months ago.

What are the main motivations for job changes according to the Robert Half survey?

The primary motivators are higher salaries (61%), better benefits (37%), and flexible work options (36%).

Which demographic is most likely to change jobs based on the Robert Half research?

Workers aged 18-25 are the most likely to seek new positions, with 60% expressing interest.

How has economic uncertainty affected job-seeking behavior according to Robert Half?

Despite hiring freezes and layoffs, many workers remain confident about their job prospects.

What should employers do to attract talent according to the Robert Half study?

Employers need to improve their hiring processes and highlight their company culture to attract top candidates.