Press Releases

• Salary remains the driving force behind job search plans
• Flexibility and fulfilment top the list of reasons some are staying put

TORONTO, Feb. 6, 2024 /CNW/ - Despite an uncertain economy leading to less turnover in the labour market recently, the demand for skilled talent remains high, which is good news for the Canadian professionals looking for new opportunities. According to new research from talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half, 42 per cent of workers have already started looking or plan to look for a new job in the first half of 2024, up slightly from 41 per cent in July 2023, but down from 50 per cent in December 2022.

Professionals Most Likely to Make a Move 

Workers' Main Motivators
With inflation and cost of living top of many people's minds, it's no surprise that salary is the largest motivating factor. When asked what would lead them to look for a new position, workers cited: 

• A higher salary (47%)
• More advancement opportunities (32%)
• Better perks and benefits (31%)
• A job with more flexibility (31%)

"While some businesses are being more cautious about bringing on new employees, many of the employers looking to hire are facing consistent challenges", said David King, Senior Managing Director, Robert Half, Canada and South America. "Job seekers with desired skills are still in high demand and are looking for better pay, advancement, perks, and benefits. Employers need to be ready to attract skilled talent with competitive offerings."

What's Making People Stay? 
Though slightly more professionals are seeking new roles compared to 6 months ago, the number is down from where it was a year ago. Some of the reasons behind this are:

1. Their current job offers a level of flexibility that they aren't willing to lose (38%) 
2. They feel fulfilled in their current role (36%) 
3. They feel well compensated for their work (30%)

"The constant labour market turnover we were seeing in the pandemic has somewhat slowed down," King added. "Many workers are settled into jobs they negotiated better pay, perks, and benefits for in the past few years, and they aren't willing to make a move unless the right opportunity presents itself. For employers, this means that recruitment challenges are likely here to stay at least for the foreseeable future."

Demand is High for Skilled Workers
Our research shows that over half (54 per cent) of hiring managers are actively seeking talent for new roles, mostly to support company growth, and organizations are primed to move ahead with strategic initiatives. However, competition for professionals with in-demand skills remains high. Most managers (64 per cent) say it takes longer to hire now than a year ago, and they risk losing skilled people to competitors if they don't speed things up.

For more information about The Demand for Skilled Talent, visit our report here.

About the Research 
The online survey was developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm from October 27-November 17, 2023. It includes responses from more than 765 workers 18 and older in finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, administrative and customer support, human resources, and other areas at companies with 20 or more employees in Canada. 

About Robert Half
Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects opportunities at great companies with highly skilled job seekers. Offering contract and permanent placement solutions in the fields of finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support, Robert Half has more than 300 locations worldwide. Robert Half is the parent company of Protiviti^®, a global consulting firm that provides internal audit, risk, business and technology consulting solutions. Robert Half, including Protiviti, has been named to the Fortune^® Most Admired Companies^™. Explore our comprehensive solutions, research and insights at RobertHalf.ca.

SOURCE Robert Half Canada Inc.