Talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half indicates that – despite more job openings – the “Big Stay” is underway. Per recent data from Job Search Landscape 2024: Planning Your Next Career Move, 35 percent of workers plan to look for a new job in the second half of 2024, down from 49 percent (1H23).
The dropoff in potential job searches spanned all generations in the U.S., including:
- Gen Z – 44 percent (from 74 percent)
- Millenials – 45 percent (from 63 percent)
- Gen X – 26 percent (from 44 percent)
- Baby Boomers – 13 percent (from 23 percent)
According to the research, 77 percent of workers were “generally happy” in their role, with 85 percent reporting a good work-life balance. Top factors leading to overall satisfaction included:
- Competitive salary with regular merit increases.
- Flexible work location and schedule.
- Fair workloads and job expectations.
- A positive work culture and team dynamic.
- Having a supportive manager.
At the same time, approximately 73 percent remained confident in their professional abilities, and have taken steps to increase their value and marketability by learning new skills.
“In the past few years, professionals made career moves to take advantage of the many job openings and improve their personal and professional lives,” said Dawn Fay, operational president, Robert Half. “While they are now reporting high job satisfaction levels in their current roles and aren’t actively in a job search, many are still taking steps to enhance their skills and ultimately increase their marketability for any future moves they might make.”
For employers, Robert Half warned of potential mistakes that could deter candidates, including:
- No salary range in the job description (41 percent).
- No remote work flexibility (37 percent).
- No emphasis on company culture (30 percent).
- A prolonged interview process (28 percent).
“In the era of the Big Stay, employers need to take into consideration what workers want and come to the table with competitive offers,” Fay added. “With skilled talent at a premium and workers feeling satisfied in their current role, employers can’t afford to make mistakes that could deter prospective candidates from applying to their open positions.”
The survey was developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm in April 2024. It includes responses from over 1,000 workers, 18 or older, and over 400 hiring managers at U.S. companies with 20 or more employees.
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