- 57% of Kiwi workers are willing to switch careers in
the next 12 months. - Millennial employees (66%) are
the most willing to switch careers, followed by Gen X
(58%). - Wanting to increase earning potential (58%)
is the top reason to switch careers, followed by improving
work-life balance (56%).
Auckland, 4
September 2024 – Having one career path
throughout one’s professional journey is a concept of the
past as more than half (57%) of New Zealand workers are
willing to switch careers in the next year, new independent
research by specialised recruiter Robert Half
finds.
More workers are willing to switch
careers
Current roles are not meeting the career
goals nor suiting the lifestyle requirements of 57% of
workers who are willing to change careers in the next 12
months. Despite this, 43% of employees are not willing to
shift or risk a change at this stage of their
careers.
The majority of all generations
indicate they are open to a career change. Millennials
workers are the most willing for a change, with two-thirds
(66%) keen to move into a new career. This is followed by
Gen X (58%), Gen Z (56%) and Baby Boomers
(48%).
“More professionals are
reassessing their career trajectories in the current
economic landscape,” says Ronil Singh, Director
at Robert Half. “The instability and
fluctuations experienced in both work and life in recent
years have motivated many to explore new avenues for growth,
stability or better alignment with their personal values.
The concept of a lifelong career is outdated, as individuals
recognise the transferability of their skills and the
potential for a career change to provide a renewed sense of
purpose and a brighter future.”
The reasons
workers want a change
Of those who are willing to
change careers, 58% of them want to do so to increase their
earning potential, followed by the desire to improve their
work-life balance (56%). However, there are some
generational differences as career and life priorities
naturally shift during a worker’s lifetime.
| Reasons to switch careers |
Gen Z |
Millennials | Gen X |
Baby Boomers |
Total |
| Larger earning potential |
53% | 58% | 63% | 57% | 58% |
| Better work-life balance |
60% | 55% | 42% | 68% | 56% |
| Desire for a new challenge/skills |
53% | 54% | 50% | 40% | 50% |
| Greater job stability/security |
31% | 33% | 32% | 37% | 33% |
| Lack of advancement opportunities in current career |
27% | 36% | 24% | 22% | 29% |
Source:
Independent survey commissioned by Robert Half among 501
full-time office workers in New Zealand in June
2024.
“In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,
many workers are reassessing their priorities, placing
greater emphasis on work-life balance. Others are grappling
with the rising cost of living and stagnant wages, prompting
a search for careers that offer improved compensation and
financial stability. Additionally, certain industries have
been disproportionately affected by economic downturns,
compelling workers to seek opportunities in more resilient
sectors with promising long-term prospects,” says
Singh
“Embarking on a career
change requires careful research and preparation.
Understanding the skills and qualifications needed in the
desired field and being willing to invest in further
training or education are key for those interested in a
career switch. While starting anew can be daunting, it’s a
worthwhile investment if it leads to a more satisfying and
secure future. Ultimately, it’s about finding a career that
aligns with one’s career goals and
values.
“Companies need to recognise and
adapt to the shifting priorities of the workforce. Offering
competitive compensation, flexible work arrangements and
opportunities for professional growth are essential for
attracting and retaining top talent, especially when these
aspects of a role can be a reason to push staff out the door
and into a new career path,” concluded
Singh.
About the
research
The study is developed by
Robert Half and was conductedonline in June 2024 by an
independent research company, surveying 501 full-time office
workers across New Zealand. This survey is part of the
international workplace survey, a questionnaire about job
trends, talent management and trends in the
workplace.
About
Robert Half
Robert Half is the global,
specialised talent solutions provider that helps employers
find their next great hire and jobseekers uncover their next
opportunity. Robert Half offers both contract and permanent
placement services, and is the parent company of Protiviti,
a global consulting firm.Robert Half New Zealand has an
office in
Aukland.
© Scoop Media
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