Job-hopping could shape the employment market in 2025

Business owners and managers hoping to ease into the new year might want to check in on their employees before 2025 arrives.

New research from ResumeTemplates indicates that six in 10 workers expect to be looking for a new job next year , with a number of those employees having already started their job searches.

The report, which surveyed 1,258 full-time workers, found that 56% of respondents plan to pursue new job opportunities in 2025 — with 27% of all respondents saying they're already engaged in a job search, 13% expecting to begin their search before the end of the year, and 16% planning to start their job search with the start of 2025.

The findings come as data released Friday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a below-expected gain of 12,000 jobs for the labor market in October . BLS cited the impact of hurricanes Helene and Milton as well as strike activity in the manufacturing sector as part of its reported numbers.

Confidence among job seekers, however, remains high, according to ResumeTemplates. Eight in 10 respondents expressed optimism about finding a better role, and one in three workers said they’re ready to leave their current job without having another job offer secured.

Some job seekers are prepared to take it a step further, with 21% of workers saying they’re considering a change in industries.?

Why are workers seeking new jobs?

Employees cited a number of factors for why they are — or why they expect to be — in the market for a new job.

The top-cited reasons were low pay, feeling unappreciated and burnout. Other reasons mentioned include limited career-growth opportunities, poor management and lack of flexibility.

ResumeTemplates’ chief career strategist Julia Toothacre said given inflation and minimal cost-of-living increases or raises for many workers, it’s not surprising a number of employees feel undercompensated.?

“Companies tend to prioritize profits over employee well-being,” Toothacre said in a statement with the survey results. “Underappreciation, however, is often traced back to manager relationships. If your manager supports you, you likely won’t feel underappreciated, even if you are undercompensated. A good manager is transparent and open with their team about the realities of the organization.”

A resounding number of respondents said they're mindful of work-life balance when it comes to job searches, with 99% saying they consider it a key factor in their next role. That was followed closely by job security (98%), interest in the work (97%) and a higher salary (95%). Flexible hours and career-growth opportunities also stood out among workers’ top priorities.?

Workers told ResumeTemplates they're concerned about the impact of artificial technology on hiring practices, with 30% of the respondents saying they believe employers’ use of AI in the hiring process will negatively impact their ability to land a job.

Additionally, 35% of respondents believe the coming presidential election may influence their job prospects — with 57% saying they think their opportunities will improve if Donald Trump is elected president, and 43% saying the same if Kamala Harris is elected president.

A separate survey from Resume Builder recently found that seven in 10 managers anticipate escalated workplace tensions post-election . The report, which surveyed 1,000 managers, found some employers are struggling with how to navigate heightened political tensions that have crossed into the workplace.?

With those expectations in mind, there are steps managers can take to prepare to handle potential conflicts that might arise .