When it comes to career decisions, Canadian workers are split between exploration and stability, said Deborah Bottineau, managing director at Robert Half Canada, in an emailed statement to Benefits Canada.
“Those seeking a change aren’t only chasing higher pay — in fact, for the first time since we began tracking worker sentiment, better benefits and perks have edged slightly ahead of salary as the top motivator for those looking for a new role.
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“It’s a sign that ‘value’ is no longer just about a bigger paycheque, but about flexibility, wellness and professional growth that makes the day-to-day sustainable.”
In a recent survey by Robert Half, just a quarter (26 per cent) of Canadian employees said they plan to look for a new job in the second half of 2025, down from 38 per cent six months ago.
The survey, which polled more than 1,500 employees, found while two-fifths (40 per cent) said they’re not actively looking for work, they’re open to new opportunities.
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Employees searching for new opportunities cited better benefits and perks (39 per cent) as their No. 1 reason to switch employers, followed higher pay and more opportunities for career advancement (38 per cent).
It’s no longer enough to offer a standard benefits package, said Bottineau, noting employees want evidence that their employer is investing in both their career and their well-being.
“That can mean hybrid or compressed workweeks, stipends for home office setups, mental-health and counselling services or budgets for skills training and conferences. These offerings don’t just attract talent, they signal an understanding of modern work realities and a commitment to helping employees thrive, both professionally and personally.”
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Among the nearly three-quarters of workers planning to stay in their roles, 36 per cent said they value their current level of flexibility and don’t want to risk losing it. Respondents also cited factors such as being well compensated (30 per cent), a positive company culture and relationship with their manager (29 per cent) and feeling professionally fulfilled in their current role (27 per cent).
Bottineau said economic uncertainty is also shaping career decisions in subtle but significant ways, adding while there are still areas of job growth, slower hiring cycles and increased competition have made workers more cautious. Indeed, the survey found among employees looking to switch industries, 64 per cent cited better pay as their No. 1 reason.
“These priorities reflect a careful weighing of opportunity versus stability, where the decision isn’t just about the next role, but about whether the move will deliver lasting value without sacrificing what they already have.
“In this environment, career choices are being made with a long-term view: is the potential leap worth the trade-offs, or does staying the course offer the greater reward right now?”
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