Job optimism is rebounding in 2026, with more Canadian professionals planning to change employers in the first half of the year, according to new research from Robert Half.
A survey of more than 1,480 employed professionals found 33 per cent plan to look for a new job in early 2026, up from 26 per cent in July 2025.
Top motivators for job seekers
Better benefits and perks ranked as the highest motivator for workers exploring new roles, cited by 33 per cent of respondents. Competitive pay followed at 31 per cent, while 23 per cent cited limited career advancement opportunities in their current role.
“Many professionals chose not to make a job change throughout 2025, due to economic and global uncertainty, but signs of greater movement are showing as we enter 2026,” said Koula Vasilopoulos, senior managing director at Robert Half Canada.
Workers are placing renewed value on flexibility, competitive salaries and career growth, and are less inclined to stay with organizations that aren’t providing those elements, according to Vasilopoulos.
Who’s most likely to search
Technology professionals are most likely to launch a job search in early 2026, with 43 per cent planning to look for new opportunities. Gen Z workers followed at 41 per cent, while working parents came in at 39 per cent.
Obstacles facing job seekers
A separate survey of 350 unemployed job seekers revealed significant challenges in the current market. More than six in 10 respondents (61 per cent) expect their current search to take longer than their last one.
The top obstacles cited by unemployed job seekers were:
- Too many applicants and competition: 62 per cent
- Finding a job matching workplace preference: 41 per cent
- Difficulty showcasing qualifications: 32 per cent
- Lengthy hiring processes: 31 per cent
- Skills not matching job requirements: 30 per cent
“Job seekers are facing new challenges in the current landscape, and it may feel harder than ever to stand out in a crowded market,” Vasilopoulos said. She recommended keeping skills current, networking effectively and researching areas of demand to help land the right opportunity.
The research was conducted through online surveys developed by Robert Half and administered by an independent research firm in November and December 2025. Respondents included more than 1,480 employed professionals and 350 unemployed job seekers aged 18 and over across Canada.
