A growing number of Canadian professionals are planning to change jobs in the second half of 2026, as workers seek better compensation, benefits and career advancement, according to new research from Robert Half Canada Inc.
A survey of more than 1,500 employees found 44 per cent intend to look for a new role in the next six months, up from 33 per cent earlier this year and 26 per cent a year ago.
The findings point to a shift in worker sentiment after a period of caution, with employees increasingly willing to pursue new opportunities as they reassess their long-term career goals and workplace priorities.
Millennials are among the most likely to consider a move, with 53 per cent indicating they plan to search for a new job. The same proportion was reported among technology professionals, while 57 per cent of human resources workers said they are preparing to explore other opportunities.
The survey suggests the primary drivers behind potential job changes are tied to compensation, benefits and career growth. Among respondents planning a move, 38 per cent cited better benefits and perks, while an equal share pointed to career advancement opportunities. About 33 per cent said they feel underpaid based on their skillset, and the same proportion identified a desire for more flexibility. Another 31 per cent pointed to the need for more remote work options.
At the same time, flexibility remains a key factor for those choosing to stay put. Nearly half of respondents, or 46 per cent, said they are reluctant to leave their current roles because they do not want to lose the level of workplace flexibility they already have.
Koula Vasilopoulos
“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 report also highlights how artificial intelligence is reshaping the job search process, introducing new challenges for candidates.
Among those planning to look for a new role, 51 per cent said AI-generated applications have intensified competition for open positions, while 46 per cent expressed concern about keeping their skills current as the technology evolves.
“AI is reshaping the job search in real and immediate ways,” Vasilopoulos added. “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. Job seekers need to be thoughtful in how they use AI, while continuing to build in-demand skills and clearly articulate the value they bring.”
The findings suggest that while technology may be streamlining the application process, it is also contributing to a more crowded and competitive hiring environment, placing greater emphasis on how candidates differentiate themselves.
Robert Half said the research was conducted in April 2026 by an independent firm and included responses from employed workers aged 18 and over across Canada.
The company specializes in talent solutions and consulting services, including contract staffing, permanent placement and executive search across sectors such as finance, technology, marketing and administrative support.
Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada’s Entrepreneur. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He was named in 2021 and 2024 as one of the top business journalists in the world by PR News. He was also named by RETHINK to its global list of Top Retail Experts 2024, 2025 and 2026.
About Us
Canada’s Entrepreneur is the number one community media platform in Canada for entrepreneurs and business owners. Established in 2016, our podcast team has interviewed over 800 Canadian entrepreneurs from coast-to-coast. With hosts in each province, entrepreneurs have a local and national format to tell their stories, talk about their journey and provide inspiration for anyone starting their entrepreneurial journey and well- established founders.
The commitment to a grass roots approach has built a loyal audience on all our social channels and YouTube – 500,000+ lifetime YouTube views, 250,000 + audio downloads, 50,000 + average monthly social impressions, 15,000 + engaged social followers and 120,000 newsletter subscribers. Canada’s Entrepreneur is proud to provide a local, national and international presence for Canadian entrepreneurs to build their brand and tell their story
