More Canadian professionals are preparing to look for new jobs in the second half of 2026 as they seek better benefits, career advancement and greater workplace flexibility, according to a survey released by Robert Half.
The talent solutions and business consulting firm said its survey of more than 1,500 employed Canadians found that 44 per cent plan to search for a new job over the next six months. That compares with 33 per cent who said the same in the first half of 2026 and 26 per cent a year earlier.
The findings suggest workers are becoming more willing to explore new employment opportunities after a period in which many prioritized job stability. The survey found benefits and career growth ranked alongside one another as the leading reasons respondents cited for considering a move, while flexibility also remained an important factor in career decisions.
Millennial workers were among the most likely to say they intend to look for a new position, with 53 per cent indicating they plan to search for a new role. The survey also found 57 per cent of human resources professionals and 53 per cent of technology professionals expect to seek new opportunities.
Respondents identified several reasons for planning a job search:
Better benefits and perks (38 per cent)
Career advancement opportunities (38 per cent)
Feeling underpaid based on skillset (33 per cent)
More flexibility (33 per cent)
More remote work options (31 per cent)
Among respondents who said they are staying in their current positions, 46 per cent cited not wanting to lose the flexibility offered by their workplace as the main reason.
"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 survey also examined how artificial intelligence is affecting the job search process for Canadians looking for new roles.
Among respondents planning to seek new employment, 51 per cent said AI-generated job applications have intensified competition for available positions, while 46 per cent said they are concerned about keeping their skills current as AI continues to evolve.
"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."
Robert Half said the research was conducted by an independent research firm in April 2026 using a survey developed by the company. The survey included responses from more than 1,500 employed workers aged 18 and older across Canada.