Many Gen Z professionals are considering a job change to boost their earning power, according to new research from Robert Half.
In a recent survey, 55% of Gen Z professionals said they plan to look for a new job before the end of the year. That is up from 32% one year ago.
Salary appears to be a major driver behind the shift. More than half of respondents (53%) said they believe changing employers could offer greater earning potential.
Among those planning to job hunt, 56% said they want stronger perks and benefits, and 50% pointed to limited advancement opportunities in their current role. The research also found that expectations tied to AI adoption may be adding pressure, with 37% of Gen Z job seekers reporting challenges keeping pace with changing technology during their search for a new role.
While compensation remains a top priority, the research suggests many Gen Z professionals are also weighing benefits and workplace expectations when evaluating job offers. The top benefits and perks Gen Z workers consider include health insurance (65%), more flexible work schedules (60%), commuter benefits (57%), a 401(k) savings plan (53%), dental insurance (52%), free or subsidized meals (52%) and on-site professional development or training opportunities (49%).
The survey also found Gen Z workers are widely using AI on the job, with 87% saying they use AI for professional purposes. But nearly one-quarter (24%) said integrating AI into their daily work has led to burnout. Respondents cited pressure to be more productive (37%), fears over job security if they do not adopt new tools (34%) and feeling overwhelmed by continuous learning requirements (27%).
Sara Eide, Workplace Trends Expert with Robert Half, joined the conversation on ARC Seattle and explained the trends.
More information about the Robert Half survey can be found here.
