Nearly half of Gen Z workers plan to jump ship before year-end, up from 36% a year ago
Forty-six percent of Gen Z professionals plan to look for a new job before the end of the year, up from 36 percent one year ago.
Robert Half surveyed Gen Z professionals and found salary drives much of the movement, with 41 percent citing greater earning potential as a reason to change employers.
Among those planning a search, 51 percent want stronger perks and benefits and 44 percent want greater advancement opportunities.
Flexible work schedules top the list of benefits and perks Gen Z workers consider when evaluating offers, at 61 percent.
Dental coverage follows at 60 percent, then commuter benefits and free or subsidized meals, snacks, or beverages at 55 percent each, hybrid work options and RRSP or pension savings plans at 49 percent each, and mental health coverage at 48 percent.
Many Gen Z professionals are seeking opportunities that better align with their career aspirations, financial goals, and overall workplace expectations, the research states.
Koula Vasilopoulos, senior managing director at Robert Half Canada, said in the company's research release that Gen Z professionals are entering the workforce during a period of change.
She said many weigh higher earning potential, flexibility, and advancement opportunities, and will explore new roles to find them.
Seventy-three percent of Gen Z workers say they use AI for professional purposes, while 28 percent say integrating AI into their daily work has led to burnout.
Robert Half attributes the burnout primarily to fears over job security if workers do not adopt new tools, cited by 45 percent, pressure to be more productive, cited by 29 percent, and feeling overwhelmed by continuous learning requirements, cited by 26 percent.
A further 46 percent worry about keeping their AI skills current.
"Many Gen Z professionals are embracing AI in the workplace," Vasilopoulos said, "but feeling the pressure to keep their skills on pace with rapidly evolving technology.
Employers, according to Vasilopoulos, can help by providing ongoing training that builds new skills and helps avoid burnout.
