One-third of Canadian professionals plan to look for a new job in 2026

One-third (33%) of Canadian professionals are planning to search for a new job in the first half of 2026, according to a Robert Half report. The HR and staffing firm surveyed 1,480 professionals and 350 unemployed job seekers in November and December 2025.

The 33% figure represents a seven-point increase over Robert Half’s July 2025 survey, when 26% of respondents said they planned to look for a new job in the coming six months.

“Many professionals chose not to make a job change throughout 2025 due to economic and global uncertainty, but signs of greater movement are showing as we enter 2026,” said Koula Vasilopoulos, senior managing director, Robert Half, Canada.

Competitive pay – the perennial top motivator for switching jobs – slipped to second place at 31%. Instead, for only the second time since Robert Half began tracking worker sentiment, better benefits and perks (33%) was the top motivator.

“Workers are once again highlighting the value they place on perks and benefits like flexibility, competitive salaries, and career growth, and are feeling less inclined than they were this past year to remain with organizations that aren’t providing those essential elements,” Vasilopoulos added.

The most likely workers to launch a job search in 2026 are technology professionals (43%), Gen Zs (41%), and working parents (39%).

However, 61% expect their planned job search to take longer than their last one, with the same proportion citing the top challenge as too many applicants for positions.

“Keeping skills current and prominently featured in applications, networking effectively, and researching areas of demand to focus the search can all help with landing the right opportunity,” Vasilopoulos said.