Robert Half Research Points To Strong Job Optimism Among U.S. Workers

Rhea-AI Summary

New research from staffing firm Robert Half reveals that 87% of workers feel confident about their skills and job security, yet 32% plan to seek new roles soon, primarily for better salaries and advancement opportunities. Among Gen Z employees, 55% are looking for jobs due to a lack of development opportunities. Notably, 71% would leave companies misaligned with their values, emphasizing the importance of employee well-being and diversity. As flexibility becomes paramount, 47% desire fully remote positions. Employers are encouraged to enhance professional development and refine organizational culture to retain talent.

Positive

• 87% of workers feel confident about their skills and job security.
• 32% of employees intend to seek better opportunities, signaling potential job market dynamism.
• Focus on employee well-being and diversity aligns with employee values, which can enhance retention.

Negative

• 32% of employees are actively looking for new job opportunities.
• 55% of Gen Z employees want to leave due to lack of professional development.

MENLO PARK, Calif., June 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Many workers will be on the move in the coming months, according to new research from global staffing firm Robert Half. The "Job Optimism" survey of more than 2,800 professionals tracks employee sentiment on current and future career prospects and reveals key implications for employers.

Now is the time for companies to reshape organizational structures and policies to retain and attract the best talent.

Following is a summary of the research. View an infographic of the highlights and results by age, gender, income level and city.

Employee Confidence Signals Movement
The majority of workers surveyed (87%) feel confident about their current skill set and job security. But that doesn't guarantee they'll stay put: Nearly 1 in 3 employees (32%) said they plan to look for a new role in the next several months. The top reasons are to obtain a salary boost and have greater opportunities for career advancement (29% each).

Additional findings:

• 55% of Gen Z employees (ages 18 to 24) plan to pursue a new job; 32% said the main reason is due to lack of professional development opportunities at their current company.
• More men (36%) than women (29%) anticipate launching a job search in the next few months.
• Professionals earning less than $50,000 a year are most interested in making a career move.
• Among the 28 U.S. cities in the survey, workers in Atlanta (50%), Charlotte (44%), Houston and Sacramento (41%) are most likely to look for a new role.

"Since the pandemic started, professionals have endured an uncertain employment landscape," said Robert Half senior executive director Paul McDonald. "As we turn the corner on COVID-19 and business conditions improve, employers will face new hiring and retention challenges and must adapt to meet the needs of a more resilient and resolute workforce."

Company Values are Non-Negotiable
Nearly 1 in 3 professionals (31%) said they had a shift in perspective due to the pandemic and prefer to work for an organization that better aligns with their personal values. In addition, 71% of employees would leave a company whose values don't align with their own. The corporate programs most important to workers are employee well-being (70%) and diversity, equity and inclusion (47%).

"Today's employees have high expectations of their employer. They want to belong to an organization that puts people first and takes action to create positive change in the workplace and community," said Lynne Smith, Robert Half senior vice president of global human resources.

Flexibility Comes First
When considering a career change, many professionals will overlook traditional office jobs: 47% reported wanting a fully remote role and 39% said they're interested in full-time contracting. Millennials are most likely to favor fully remote jobs and a career in contracting.

McDonald noted, "Professionals with in-demand skills know they have options — and leverage. Now is the time for companies to rethink where and how jobs are done and reshape organizational structures and policies to retain and attract the best talent."

Key Takeaways for Employers
Leaders should keep these three best practices in mind to increase job satisfaction and reduce turnover:

1. Make professional development plans. Partner with top performers to define their long-term objectives and provide challenging assignments and skill-building opportunities that will help them reach their goals without leaving the company.
2. Continually refine organizational culture. Keep a pulse on the most important drivers of employee well-being and engagement and act on feedback in a timely manner.
3. Embrace flexibility. Companies that adopt a hybrid work model and hire a mix of permanent and contract talent can enjoy the benefits of improved staff morale, better performance and access to a deeper and more diverse candidate pool.

About the Research
The online survey was developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm from March 26 to April 15, 2021. It includes responses from more than 2,800 workers 18 years of age or older at companies in 28 major U.S. cities with 20 or more employees.

About Robert Half
Founded in 1948, Robert Half (NYSE: RHI) is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm. The company has more than 300 staffing locations worldwide and offers hiring and job search services at roberthalf.com.

 

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SOURCE Robert Half

FAQ

What does the Robert Half Job Optimism survey reveal about workers' confidence?

The survey indicates that 87% of workers are confident in their skills and job security.

What percentage of employees plan to seek new job opportunities according to the study?

32% of employees reported that they plan to look for new roles in the coming months.

How has the pandemic influenced employees' job search preferences?

Nearly 1 in 3 professionals prefer to work for organizations that align with their personal values post-pandemic.

What are the main reasons employees are seeking new jobs?

The primary reasons include the desire for salary increases and better career advancement opportunities.

What work arrangement do many professionals prefer now?

47% of professionals want fully remote jobs, indicating a shift in work preferences.