In this market, many organisations are focusing on retention – looking at their policies and practices to enhance retention rates.  The cost of recruitment is high, and having resources to manage recruitment processes (advertising, interviewing, onboarding and managing new joiners is vast).

In addition, many employees are regularly seeking new opportunities.  This poses a contradiction between organisations who seek to reduce turnover, with employees who do not necessarily have loyalty to their organisations.

A recent study has found that 48% of workers aged 18 to 29 are actively looking for a new role or plan to do so this year. For those aged 30 to 39. Forty-seven percent plan to move jobs. This study was conducted by Totaljobs.

Overall, across all age groups, the survey found that 41% of workers are actively looking for a  new role or plan to do so this year.

Why do people change jobs?

The main quoted reason is salary, cited by 81% of candidates. 

However, salary is not the only important factor. Employees value aspects like progression, visible career pathways and investment in training and development. 

A survey carried out in 2025 by Gateway Commercial Finance, found that 58% of Gen Z professionals viewed their job as a “situationship”- a short term, low commitment relationship not expected to last.

Securing a new role

Depending on your motivation for securing a new role, there are various steps you can take –

• Speak to your current employer – if your reason for leaving is money, career development, or relationships, speak with your manager. They may be open to looking at succession planning, pay rises etc to enable you to stay. Approaching this in a casual manner can often determine if there is potential to develop in your current role before you look around
• Identify what you are looking for in your next job – what areas are missing from your current job, or what would you like to do next?  Having an idea of your essential, and desirable, requirements can help you to identify if the next role is the right one for you
• Get yourself job search ready
  • Register with agencies and job search boards
  • Set up (or update) your LinkedIn profile
  • Update your CV – remember to include your achievements and keep your skills updated

For support with CV writing, or any other aspect of job searching, please visit www.cvprime.co.uk