Canadians on the hunt for a new job want improved benefits and better control over their schedule, according to a new survey by Indeed.
The survey, which polled more than 1,000 full-time employees, found 32 per cent said they plan to change jobs within the next one to two years. A quarter said they’ve been actively recruited by another company in the last six months, while only 16 per cent said they plan to remain at their current company for the next five years.
Among survey respondents who are looking for a new job, the top reason was a desire for better benefits. One-third (34 per cent) said they think they could get better core benefits at a new company, while 33 per cent said they believe other companies have better ancillary benefits. Specifically, 29 per cent said other companies could provide better childcare benefits than what’s available at their current employer.
Read: Canadians prioritizing salary, benefits in job search: survey
Another popular reason to switch jobs was the desire for flexible working options, with 28 per cent of respondents saying they think they’d have more control over their schedule — such as flexible hours or remote work options — at another company.
Just half (52 per cent) said they believe their current employer is working hard to retain talent in the tight labour market.
“Gone are the days when workers would remain at companies for decades,” noted a release from Indeed. “Workers are increasingly ready and willing to switch jobs as a way to earn more experience and get better perks and benefits. Remaining competitive via compensation, benefits, training and flexibility are just a few ways to increase employee tenure.”
Looking ahead at their career plans, 39 per cent of employees who planned to change jobs in the next two years said they’re looking for a higher-level role in the same profession. Just about a third (34 per cent) said they’re looking for a similar role at another company, while 19 per cent said they plan to make a complete career change.
Read: 80% of Canadian employers concerned about retaining talent: survey