SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — Facing a soft labor market and reduced job mobility, most workers say they are ready for an employment change in 2025.
That’s according to the “What Candidates Want” 2025 report from Bartech Staffing, a staffing and recruiting firm powered by Impellam Group.
Reflecting on growing restlessness in the workforce, the report also reveals workers wanting better pay and benefits during what many have been calling a white-collar recession.
The desire for change comes even as most people say they are satisfied with their current job. A majority (57%) say they plan to look for a new role within the next six months, and 71% will do so in the next 12 months.
Meanwhile, 51% say they are content with their job, and 22% say they are not. This disparity may result from slower wage growth and increasing job stress as employers seek to do more with less.
“With hiring having slowed over the past 18 months, it’s not surprising people are anxious and ready for change,” says Erica Leone, senior vice president of Bartech Staffing. “What is notable is that most people we surveyed are satisfied with their current job, but, as we’ve seen in the past, there is interest in roles that are more financially and intellectually rewarding.
“We are committed to closely following this trend and the impact on employers as the labor market recovers.”
Among those most likely to look for new roles are older workers (55-plus). More than three in four say they plan to make a change in the next 12 months. Conversely, the youngest generation (under 25) is the most satisfied in their jobs, with a majority (54%) expressing such a sentiment.
SEEKING MORE MONEY AND WORK-LIFE BALANCE
The reasons for wanting a change are varied, with higher pay cited by 76% as the most compelling driver.
Beyond financial rewards, many also want a better work-life balance (59%) and opportunities to advance their career (50%). Flexible work arrangements are more important to women than men (45% vs. 25%).
These are among several considerations important to candidates when choosing prospective employers. Companies need to keep their recruitment process streamlined, transparent and aligned with candidate expectations.
A majority say companies should enhance the quality and speed of communications during the hiring process, and 63% want no more than two stages of interviews. Fewer than 1 in 4 say three stages are acceptable.
“A satisfying and transparent talent experience is necessary to attract and win in-demand talent, even during a softer labor market,” Leone says. “The impression that a company makes on candidates is long-lasting and resonates beyond one or two economic cycles.
“We found that employee reviews are the most used source of information when candidates are researching a prospective employer, so it’s critical for organizations to consistently maintain positive touchpoints with their talent.”
The “What Candidates Want” 2025 report was compiled from a survey of 570 North American engineers and technical and professional employees in the fourth quarter of the year.
In addition to gauging their appetite for job change, recruitment process expectations, and preferred work arrangements, candidates were asked about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI); diversity, equality and inclusion (DE&I) progress in the industry; and career priorities.
For more insights into candidates’ sentiments, the full report is available here.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Matt Poe at [email protected].
