The four main reasons why employees are taking new jobs in 2025

The dissatisfaction of employees has reached high records, feeding what experts call “great detachment”, a growing disconnection between workers and their employers. With 51% of employees who actively seek or observe new job opportunities, organizations must understand what drives workers to make a change.

A new Gallup study of more than 10,000 US employees reveals the four main factors that influence labor decisions: balance between work and life and well -being, payment and benefits, stability and labor security, and the ability to do what they do best.

Work balance and personal welfare take first place

For three consecutive years, employees have classified the balance between work and life and well -being as the most critical factor in choosing a new job. The percentage of employees who consider it “very important” has increased from 53% pre-pandemic to 59% today.

Change reflects a fundamental change in the expectations of the workplace: employees no longer see the balance between work and life as a benefit but as a need. However, only one in five workers believe that your employer prioritizes your well -being, which leads many to look elsewhere the roles that are aligned with their needs.

Compensation remains a key motivator

Payments and benefits remain a priority, with 54% of employees who qualify them very important, up to 41% before the pandemic. While compensation is always a factor in labor decisions, the salary increases observed during the great resignation establish new expectations.

However, with economic uncertainty in 2025, employers can have less space to offer salary increases. Compensation forecasts remain mixed, and some reports predict slight decreases and others that suggest stability.

Estability and occupational safety matter more than ever

The desire for work stability remains strong, and 54% of employees prioritize it by considering new roles. As hiring slows down and industries evolve due to technological advances, workers seek positions that offer long -term security.

Doing significant job is crucial

Almost half of the employees (48%) say they want a job that aligns with their skills and passions. Workers are more compromised and productive when their responsibilities coincide with their strengths, which makes this an essential factor in job satisfaction.

Adaptation strategies to different workforce needs

While these four factors are universally important, the different demographic data of employees prioritize them in a unique way. Millennials, for example, are the most demanding generation when it comes to the balance between work and life, compensation and work stability, rather than generation Z. Meanwhile, higher leaders value labor autonomy and knowledge workers seek positions that align with their strengths.

Win the war for talent in 2025

Since hiring is expected to recover, companies have a critical opportunity to attract and retain the best talent. By aligning job offers with what employees value more (balance of work life, competitive salary, stability and significant work, organizations can gain a competitive advantage in the labor market.

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