U.S. job satisfaction climbs in early 2025 – Robert Half survey
CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — The American workforce is experiencing career contentment, with a decrease in professionals planning job changes for early 2025.
A Robert Half survey, which gathered responses from over 2,000 U.S. workers in December 2024, reveals that only 29% intend to seek new employment in the first half of 2025, a decline from 35% in mid-2024.
This trend is underpinned by a strong alignment between workers’ skills and job requirements, with 81% expressing overall satisfaction in their current roles.
Key factors driving satisfaction
The survey highlights several factors contributing to job satisfaction:
- 83% appreciate competitive salaries and regular merit increases.
- 77% value fair workloads and clear job expectations.
- 77% enjoy a positive work culture and team dynamics.
“These findings reflect a positive trend in workplace satisfaction and culture but also signal potential hurdles for companies looking to expand their teams,” said Dawn Fay, operational president of Robert Half.
“With fewer professionals actively seeking new opportunities, employers need to be strategic when it comes to attracting top talent.”
Confidence among workers remains high
Despite fewer job searches, 95% of U.S. workers are confident in their skills and abilities. About 77% have acquired new skills within the past year to enhance their marketability, and 76% believe they could secure a new position if necessary.
Generational trends in job searching
The likelihood of job searching differs by age, with 40% of Gen Z and 35% of Millennial workers planning to seek new jobs, mainly driven by desires for higher salaries, better benefits, and more flexibility.
Avoiding hiring pitfalls
The research also sheds light on common hiring issues that deter potential candidates:
- Lack of salary transparency in job descriptions (41%).
- Unclear or unrealistic job expectations (36%).
- High employee turnover indicating instability (35%).
Fay emphasized the importance of transparency and attractive perks, stating, “To stand out, employers should be transparent with potential candidates and focus on offering compelling perks and benefits that resonate with today’s professionals. Extra vacation time, expanded healthcare options, bonuses or added flexibility can make your company an attractive employer in a crowded market.”
