More than 4 in 10 professionals plan to look for a new job in the second half of 2026
Forty-four percent of Canadian professionals plan to look to a new job in the second half of 2026, according to a report from Robert Half. The recruiting and HR consulting firm surveyed 1,500 Canadian professionals in April 2026.
The 44% figure is up significantly from 33% in the first half of 2026 and 26% one year ago.
Millennial workers (53%) and HR (57%) and technology (53%) professionals are most likely to be seeking a new role.
“Over the past few years, many professionals have taken a more cautious approach to career moves, often prioritizing stability amid economic and workplace uncertainty,” said Koula Vasilopoulos, senior managing director at Robert Half. “We’re seeing a growing sense of confidence with more people re-engaging in the job market and intentionally pursuing opportunities that offer meaningful career progression, flexibility and stronger alignment with their longer-term goals.”
The top reasons for professionals to change jobs are better benefits and perks (38%), career advancement opportunities (38%), feeling underpaid based on skillset (33%), more flexibility (33%), and more remote work options (31%).
For those staying put in their current roles, the top reason is not wanting to lose the level of flexibility their workplace provides (46%).
The proliferation of generative AI usage has further complicated the job search – with approximately half of respondents saying AI-generated applications have intensified competition for open roles.
“While these tools can help candidates apply more easily, they can also make it harder to stand out as applications become more uniform and less reflective of an individual’s true experience,” Vasilopoulos added.
Robert Half says that candidates can stand out by clearly communicating measurable accomplishments – including adaptability and technical and human skills. Eschewing an AI resume might also help a candidate differentiate themselves from the AI-abetted field.
