Jul 29, 2026
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Add us on GoogleHigher pay remains the biggest reason Canadians consider changing jobs, but it’s far from the only one. More workers are also looking for better work-life balance and clearer opportunities to grow in their careers.
A new Randstad Canada survey found that 23% of Canadian workers plan to change jobs, while among Gen Z workers, that figure climbs to 42% — highlighting a generation that’s far more willing to move on if their current role no longer meets their expectations.
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“This year’s data reminds us that the foundation of the employer-employee relationship hasn’t fundamentally changed: workers want to be fairly compensated and able to live their lives outside of work,” said Marie-Eve Robitaille, division president of Professional Talent Solutions at Randstad Canada, in a statement. “What has changed is how quickly they act when they feel those needs aren’t being met.”
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It’s not just about getting a bigger paycheque
Nearly half of workers considering a move (48%) said their current compensation isn’t high enough, making salary the most common reason for looking elsewhere.
But money wasn’t the only factor driving job searches.
Four in ten respondents (40%) said they want better work-life balance, while 34% cited a lack of opportunities for career growth. Overall, the findings suggest many Canadians are looking for roles that offer a better overall quality of working life, not just a higher salary.
The survey also found that work-life balance now ranks alongside compensation as the most important factor when choosing an employer, with 66% of respondents rating each as a top priority.
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A variety of motivations
What motivates someone to change jobs often depends on where they are in their career.
Younger workers were more likely to cite professional development and career progression as reasons to move on, according to the survey, while older workers placed greater importance on earning more. Salary was considered a top priority by 54% of Gen Z respondents, compared with 77% of Baby Boomers.
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Benefits that support life outside of work also remain a major consideration for most. Around eight in ten workers said that flexibility, paid time off and health and wellness benefits are important when evaluating an employer.
Women were also slightly more likely than men to rank compensation as a key priority, with 69% identifying it as important compared with 62% of men.
Interestingly, despite many workers considering a move, the survey suggests employers aren’t necessarily getting it all wrong. Nearly two-thirds of respondents (63%) rated their current employer positively for work-life balance, indicating that many people are looking for those incremental improvements, rather than a complete cultural or career reset.
As Canada’s labour market continues to evolve, the findings suggest workers are becoming more selective about where they invest their time.
For many, changing jobs isn’t simply about chasing the highest salary — it’s about finding a role that offers fair pay, room to grow and enough flexibility to build a life outside the workplace.
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Steven Brennan is a freelance finance writer based in Vancouver, BC. He holds a BA and an MA from Maynooth University, Ireland. His work regularly appears at Canadian Mortgage Trends, Lowest Rates, Loans Canada and other Canadian and US brands, while also working as a ghostwriter for financial influencers.
