New research from the talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half reveals a significant trend among U.S. professionals: the majority are now opting to remain in their current positions, prioritizing stability over job-seeking. A recent survey encompassing over 2,000 workers found that only 27% of respondents plan to proactively search for new job opportunities in the second half of this year—down from 29% earlier this year and a notable decline from 35% one year ago.
This trend highlights an increasing preference for job security, as 73% of workers confirm their intention to stay in their current roles. Key reasons for this decision include the desire to maintain their current level of flexibility (37%), a positive company culture and strong relationships with management (33%), professional fulfillment within their current positions (31%), and satisfactory compensation (29%).
However, the inclination to explore new opportunities varies across demographics. The survey indicates that Gen Z (32%) and Millennials (31%), along with professionals in fields such as marketing and creative (34%) and technology (30%), are the most inclined to seek new roles in the near future. For the first time, better benefits and perks (45%) have emerged as the leading motivator for those considering a job change, trailed closely by opportunities for career advancement (43%) and higher salaries (42%).
Dawn Fay, operational president at Robert Half, commented, “In today’s market, workers are carefully evaluating their current role and what matters most in their career. 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.”
Interestingly, despite the overall decline in job-seeking, a striking 91% of individuals considering career changes expressed interest in exploring different industries. Their motivations include aspirations for higher salaries (66%), improved work/life balance (57%), and more fulfilling work opportunities (42%), alongside better career advancement prospects (38%).
Moreover, the appeal of contract work is growing, with 71% of participants indicating they would consider contract positions instead of conventional full-time roles. Robert Half is keen to address prevalent myths about contract work, emphasizing that many professionals choose this path for the flexibility and diverse experiences it offers. Contrary to the belief that contract roles are merely stepping stones to permanent positions, many workers view them as viable long-term career choices, providing autonomy in selecting projects and the ability to balance personal and professional commitments.
In today’s competitive job landscape, the demand for contract professionals is on the rise as companies increasingly turn to flexible staffing solutions to manage workloads and drive essential projects, highlighting the evolving nature of work in the current economic climate.
