The study surveyed over 4,000 professionals in the country. Intentions to change jobs have dropped to 23%. Stability is now the dominant trend in the current labour market. While professionals still want to take on new projects, fewer actually make these changes. Increased caution about the economic climate is a key factor.
Even with this reduction in job mobility, the reasons for dissatisfaction with employers remain unchanged. The main reason employees leave is that they feel their pay is too low. Other key reasons are a lack of real career advancement and trouble with work-life balance.
Many companies do not meet expectations in these areas. However, risk aversion and a volatile labour market currently outweigh ambitions. As a result, workers prefer the security of staying in their current jobs.
Gender and generational differences
The Randstad analysis shows clear gender and generational differences in why people leave jobs. Women leave more often due to low pay (53% versus 47% of men), difficulty with work-life balance, and negative work environments.
Men value innovation more and are motivated to leave by a lack of investment in technology and responsible policies. Generation X focuses on pay equity. Generation Z is different: they are more likely to penalise companies that do not invest in technology.
Artificial Intelligence
They use Artificial Intelligence and digital tools to search for jobs, rather than relying on personal contacts or public services as older generations do.
For businesses, the challenge is to understand these different motivations and retain key talent. The financial offer still attracts most workers. However, qualitative factors are quickly becoming just as important.
Work-life balance now rivals salary in importance. Human resources experts say companies that create clear career paths, ongoing training, and flexible hours can use these to offer valuable indirect compensation.
This addresses younger employees’ desire for development while also meeting the financial stability needs of older workers.