Fewer Canadians looking for new jobs, according to Robert Half survey

Amid economic headwinds and tariff escalation, Canadian professionals are opting to stay put in their current roles, according to a recent Robert Half report. The HR and staffing firm polled 1,500+ Canadian professionals in April 2025.

Only a quarter (26%) of professionals plan to search for a new job in the second half of 2025, down from 38% six months ago.

Of the 74% planning to stay in their current positions, the top reasons for standing pat were valuing their current flexibility (38%), compensation (30%), and company culture (29%).

The workers most likely to look for a different job in the next six months were Gen Zs (36%) and professionals in tech (38%).

For the first time in Robert Half’s survey tracking worker sentiment, the top reason for exploring new roles was better benefits and perks (39%), usurping perennial favourite “higher pay” (38%).

"Professionals are more carefully considering their options in the current environment, and many secured favourable flexible options and salaries over the last few years that they’re not willing to give up easily", said Koula Vasilopoulos, senior managing director, Robert Half, Canada. "With fewer workers actively pursuing new jobs, employers need to take strategic approaches to attract skilled talent for critical roles, with appealing offerings that focus on total compensation, flexibility, career pathing, and positive workplace culture."

Of those considering a career move, 91% said they were interested in switching industries, citing higher salaries (64%) and improvement to work-life balance (52%).

More than 7 in 10 of job seekers said they were interested in leaving a permanent role for contract work, with the top reasons beings higher earning potential (49%), greater work variety (40%), and improved work-life balance (39%).

Despite the benefits of contract labour for building up experience and providing flexibility, Robert Half says there are several pervasive myths about contract roles.

Contract work isn’t necessarily a stepping stone to permanent roles, with many workers actively choosing to select contract work as a long-term career path. Contract roles also don’t limit career advancement, since professionals can work on a variety of projects in different environments that deepen their skills and expertise

Contract positions also aren’t difficult to find, with many companies opting for contract professionals to drive critical projects without the long-term commitment of a permanent hire.