58% of U.S. employees to seek new jobs within next year: report
CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — A majority of United States workers are preparing to look for new employment opportunities in the coming year despite high levels of reported job satisfaction, signaling a shifting dynamic in workplace loyalty and expectations, according to a new survey from isolved.
The findings from human capital management provider isolved suggest that while most employees are content in their current roles, many are still actively exploring other options as the future of work continues to evolve toward greater mobility, flexibility, and career progression.
High satisfaction, high turnover intent
The poll of 1,330 full-time U.S. employees found that 90% said they are happy in their current roles, yet 58% plan to apply for new jobs within the next 12 months. In addition, 56% reported having already applied for a new position in the past year.
Despite the apparent stability, the data points to a deeper disconnect between satisfaction and retention.
Heidi Barnett, president of isolved talent acquisition, said in a press release that surface-level contentment can mask underlying ambition.
“On paper, things look stable,” Barnett said.
“Employees are reporting high satisfaction, and most aren’t rushing to leave, but that doesn’t mean they’re happily staying. Some employers read that as loyalty, but it’s not. People are just being more selective about what they do next,” Barnett added.
The survey also found that 73% of workers reported manageable workloads, suggesting that workload pressure is not the primary driver of turnover intent.
Future of work shifts toward growth and mobility
Instead of dissatisfaction, many employees are motivated by what the report describes as “stagnation fatigue,” where workers feel the need for greater professional growth and long-term mobility.
While 74% said they are satisfied with their salary, more than half are still seeking “the next big thing.”
Among those who applied for new roles, 58% cited higher pay and 51% pointed to better career advancement opportunities as key motivations.
The survey highlights growing expectations in the future of work, where employees increasingly prioritize skill development, career pathways, and workplace efficiency over static job satisfaction.
Operational inefficiencies remain a concern, with 47% of respondents reporting they lose at least five hours per week due to inefficient systems. Communication gaps also persist, as only 25% said their employer communicates clearly.
“Financial compensation alone is simply not enough to retain top talent,” said isolved chief financial officer Amy Mosher in a press release.
“Employees want forward momentum, skill development and long-term career mobility,” Mosher added.
As organizations adapt to evolving workforce expectations, the findings suggest that retention will depend less on satisfaction alone and more on whether employees see a clear future within their current workplace.
