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One-third of professionals in Canada are planning to look for a new job in the coming year, according to a study by talent management firm Robert Half.
In a survey of nearly 2,000 working and job-seeking Canadians in November and December, Robert Half found that one in three respondents were planning to change jobs in the first half of the year – an increase of seven per cent compared to July 2025.
Michael O’Leary, senior regional director for Robert Half Eastern Canada, says the results show that an increase in demand for workers could ease stress about everything else happening in the economy and the world.
“People are starting to feel a little more comfortable with that uncertainty and moving forward,” O’Leary said. “So that’s the main reason.”
According to the study, better perks and benefits top the list of factors motivating workers to seek other job opportunities – the current situation with competitive compensation and limited opportunities for career advancement ranks third.
“When we talk about the market today, the cost of living and the cost of all products have increased,” O’Leary said. “So it’s definitely at the top of everyone’s mind.”
Montrealer’s CityNews agreed with O’Leary’s assessment.
“Maybe people want change or maybe people are trying to find income because people need to work two or three jobs to survive – so I think it’s good!” One Montrealer reacted to the study.
,[Job seekers] Worried that he would not get a job. But now, if things are looking up, they might be looking, and they might actually find something they like, it might take less time,” another said.
Behind this new optimism in the job market are technology professionals, Generation Z workers and working parents. More than 40 percent of individuals in these groups said they are thinking about looking for a new job in the coming year.
“There are a lot of individuals who have a lot of great skills. So they’re putting themselves out there right now. And that’s why, when you look at the two main categories of individuals, technology, technology is driving that change and Gen Z,” O’Leary explained.
One Montrealer who works in software development said he is seeing a change, as AI becomes increasingly present in the industry.
“Things are a bit tough at the moment. AI is one thing, but I think the bubble has burst a bit, it’s definitely been booming for a long time,” he said.
Despite the desire to find a new job, there are still challenges for job seekers in today’s market, experts warn. They point to barriers such as competition, difficulty finding a suitable work environment, difficulty demonstrating skills, and a difficult recruitment process.
O’Leary says job seekers should do their homework.
“First thing: networking. LinkedIn, your digital profile is very important,” O’Leary said. “Plus you’re doing a lot of research, a lot of research into what you want to do as a person and what you want to achieve in your next career step.”
He said many organizations may offer growth opportunities, but job seekers should still make sure the opportunity is a good fit for them.