Survey: 4 of 10 workers to look for new jobs in 1st half of 2022

More than four in 10 workers surveyed (41 percent) said they plan to look for a new job in the first half of 2022, up from 32 percent six months ago. 

The top reasons are to secure a salary boost (54 percent), better benefits and perks (38 percent), and the ability to work remotely permanently (34 percent). 

That’s according to research from Robert Half, a Menlo Park, California–based talent solutions and business-consulting firm. The company’s biannual job-optimism survey of more than 2,400 professionals tracks worker sentiment on current and future career prospects and reveals key implications for employers.

The survey also found that those most likely to start job searching are Gen Z professionals (52 percent), employees who have been with their company for 2-4 years (49 percent), and technology workers (47 percent). 

In addition, the survey found that 28 percent of professionals planning to look for a new job would quit without another one lined up.

“This is the first time in my 37-year staffing career that I’ve seen so much movement in the market and so many opportunities for workers at all levels,” Paul McDonald, senior executive director at Robert Half, said in a news release about the firm’s research report. “With nearly half their workforce poised to make a move, companies should be highly concerned about retention in the coming months.”

Regardless of job-search plans, 87 percent of workers surveyed feel confident about their current skill set and 61 percent plan to seek a promotion as the next step in their career. Yet, 41 percent feel they don’t have a clear path for advancement at their current company. Moreover, over one-third of employees (34 percent) feel performance discussions with their manager are ineffective and don’t help them reach their professional goals. 

“In today’s environment, workers are in the driver’s seat,” McDonald noted. “To help keep their best on board, managers should have regular check-ins with their direct reports to discuss career goals, development plans and what could make their employee experience better.”

Drawn to remote work 

When considering their career options, the survey found 54 percent of professionals expressing interest in fully remote positions at companies based in a different city or state from where they live.

Employers recruiting for open roles should look “far and wide,” per the Robert Half release. 

“Your next great hire could be miles away,” McDonald said. “Companies that embrace remote work options and provide a seamless onboarding experience will have the best chance of bringing in — and keeping — top talent.”