FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Seeking Better Pay, Bartech Staffing reports that A Majority of Workers Plan to Switch Jobs in the Next 6 Months Despite Being Satisfied with Current Role
- Just over half will look for new employment in the first half of 2025
- Nearly 3 in 4 plan to switch jobs within the next 12 months
- Pay tops all factors for wanting a change, but a better work-life balance is also important
Southfield, MI – January 16, 2025: Bartech Staffing, a leading staffing and recruiting firm powered by Impellam Group, is excited to announce the release of its highly anticipated 2025 “What Candidates Want” report. This comprehensive report provides valuable insights into job candidates' evolving priorities and preferences in today's dynamic labor market.
Facing a soft labor market and reduced job mobility, most workers say they are ready for an employment change in 2025. Reflecting on growing restlessness in the workforce, the “What Candidates Want 2025” report reveals talent 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 a staggering 71% will do so in the next 12 months. Meanwhile, 51% say they are content with their job, and just 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. 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," said Erica Leone, SVP of Bartech Staffing. “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+). More than 3 in 4 say they plan to make a change in the next 12 months. Conversely, the youngest generation (under 25) are 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 talent 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. The impression that a company makes on candidates is long-lasting and resonates beyond one or two economic cycles,” said Erica Leone. “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 is compiled from a survey of 570 North American engineers, technical, and professional talent in the fourth quarter of the year. In addition to gauging their appetite for job change, recruitment process expectations, and preferred work arrangements, talent were also asked about the impact of AI, DE&I progress in the industry, and career priorities. For more insights into the sentiments of candidates, the full report is available here.
About Bartech Staffing
Bartech Staffing is a recruiting innovator and premier staffing firm, that is powered by Impellam Group. As a strategic partner to domestic, global, and multinational companies that hire engineering, technical, and professional talent, Bartech’s approach is centered on building strong, personalized relationships with clients and candidates.
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For more information, contact:
Senior Vice President of Marketing
Impellam Group North America
Tracy.Monsour@Impellam.com
813.482.4869
