Canadian professionals have grown restless, it appears.
Recent research from talent consulting firm Robert Half suggests nearly half of professionals in Canada plan to look for a new job in 2026.
That figure is up markedly over the last year, when just 26% were intending to explore options over the following six months.
Koula Vasilopoulos, senior managing director at Robert Half, suggests that “over the past few years, many professionals have taken a more cautious approach to career moves, often prioritizing stability amid economic and workplace uncertainty.”
Moving forward, however, “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.”
Technology workers were among the most likely to show interest in other opportunities, according to the data, with 53% of those working in the field expressing intent to explore, well above the average of 44%.
So, what does tech talent in Canada hope to gain from pursuing new work?
Nearly 40% want “Career advancement opportunities,” the research found, while as many desire “better benefits and perks.”
One-third feel underpaid, while flexibility (31%) and remote work (31%) also dominate the conversation.
In fact, when asking those who don’t want to leave their current roles, “flexibility” was the most coveted aspect.
Workers are “reassessing their long-term career goals, compensation, flexibility, and growth opportunities,” according to the report, with Canadian tech talent “more willing to explore new roles that better align with their priorities.”
As they do explore, professionals should be aware that AI has altered hiring.
AI has made applying for jobs easier, for example, but it has also increased competition and application volume.
A majority of workers already say that AI-generated applications have intensified competition for open roles, according to the report, and a similar number are concerned about keeping up skills-wise with rapidly evolving technologies.
“AI is reshaping the job search in real and immediate ways,” Vasilopoulos admits.
“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,” she says.
“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,” Vasilopoulos offers.
