Most Canadian professionals actively jobhunting for next year

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Almost 75 per cent of Canadian professionals are seeking new job opportunities due to stagnant pay, according to a recent survey by global recruitment agency Robert Walters Inc.

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The poll said that nearly half of workers are expecting a pay raise from their current employer in the new year, but most are still looking to move jobs anyway.

The reason is that many respondents said their expected salary increases will not be as high as they had hoped. With the cost of living still rising, employees find that current modest pay raises do not significantly improve their financial situation.

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However, the professionals could achieve significant salary increases when they change companies, the survey said.

As an example, it mentioned how senior HR professionals saw an average salary increase of 23 per cent after moving to new companies. Financial services professionals saw earnings go up 20 per cent, while those working in legal, risk and compliance experienced a 17 per cent rise.

Even though the inflation rate has decreased to two per cent, the lingering effects of previous inflationary periods continue to impact financial stability, it said.

Outside of stagnant pay raises, the survey said the leading reason professionals want to move is because they feel it is “time for a change.”

Robert Walters’ 2025 salary survey highlighted a trend of growing dissatisfaction among employees, in spite of a tougher job market with only 35 per cent of professionals feeling confident about job opportunities within their sector.

Among the reasons workers cited for wanting “change” were not enough advancement opportunities, lack of work-life balance and inadequate workplace benefits and perks.

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With the latter, 70 per cent of professionals say they are currently dissatisfied with their benefits plan, the survey said.

It highlighted that many professionals prioritize benefits such as private health insurance, flexible working options and extended holidays. Employers are investing heavily in these areas to retain talent, with some spending up to 30 per cent of an employee’s total salary on benefits.

However, there is often a disparity between the benefits employees receive and what they actually want, it said. A lack of clear communication surrounding those benefits can also lead to under-utilization and dissatisfaction.

“Professionals are seeking not only higher salaries but also comprehensive compensation packages with robust benefits,” said Martin Fox, managing director of Robert Walters Canada.

Fox added that employers need to adapt to changes in the evolving job market in order to stay competitive.

“Employers must recognize that the landscape has changed. It’s not just about the paycheque anymore,” he said.

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The finding that moving companies can yield significant pay increases highlights the potential financial benefits of job-hopping, which is becoming more common than ever before, the study said.

Professionals are leveraging the competitive job market to negotiate better compensation packages, making mobility a strategic move for career advancement, it added. 

“To stay competitive, employers need to offer more than just financial incentives. A well-rounded approach that includes strong benefits, career development, and a positive work environment is essential,” said Fox. 

• Email: dpaglinawan@postmedia.com

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