A third of employed Canadian professionals plan to look for a new job in the first half of 2026, up from 26 per cent in July 2025, according to a new survey by Robert Half Canada Inc.
The survey, which polled more than 1,400 workers and 350 unemployed job-seekers across Canada, found better benefits and perks (33 per cent) ranked as the No. 1 driver of potential job changes, followed by competitive pay (31 per cent) and career advancement opportunities (23 per cent).
Read: Half of U.S. employees considering looking for new job if employer reduces flexibility: survey.
According to the research, technology professionals (43 per cent) were the most likely to plan a job search in early 2026, followed by generation Z workers (41 per cent) and working parents (39 per cent).
Among Canadians who are currently unemployed, 61 per cent said they expect their current job search to take longer than their previous one. The most commonly cited challenges included too many applicants and competition for positions (62 per cent), difficulty finding a job that matches their workplace preferences (41 per cent), difficulty showcasing qualifications (32 per cent), lengthy hiring processes (31 per cent) and skills not matching job requirements (30 per cent).
Read: Higher wages, toxic workplaces shaping employee attraction, retention in 2026: experts
“Many professionals chose not to make a job change throughout 2025 due to economic and global uncertainty, but signs of greater movement are showing as we enter 2026,” said Koula Vasilopoulos, senior managing director at Robert Half Canada, in a press release.
“Workers are once again highlighting the value they place on perks and benefits like flexibility, competitive salaries and career growth and are feeling less inclined than they were this past year to remain with organizations that aren’t providing those essential elements.”