Nearly seven in 10 workers have changed or considered changing careers in the past year, according to FlexJobs’ 2025 State of the Workplace Report, signaling shifts in workforce priorities.
The great career reassessment
The survey of over 2,200 U.S. professionals reveals that workers aren’t merely job-hopping; they’re completely rethinking their career paths.
Respondents cited several motivators for seeking a new career, with many prioritizing remote work options (67%), better work-life balance (52%), and work that’s more meaningful (48%).
Going against the norm, remote work (37%) even outranks salary and benefits (25%) as the leading factor when considering new job opportunities. However, job seekers report that finding remote positions remains a significant challenge — 45% said the lack of remote work options is a major frustration in their job search.
The research also reveals workers’ biggest fear for the future is a reduction in remote work opportunities (21%), outpacing concerns about AI-driven job displacement (19%) and deteriorating worker rights (15%).
Employee loyalty in decline
Perhaps most concerning for employers and their staffing partners is that 27% of respondents feel “less loyal” to employers post-pandemic.
When asked what would increase their loyalty, respondents prioritized remote work options (68%), higher pay (63%), and flexible schedules, including four-day workweeks (61%). Many also cited recognition and appreciation (56%) and regular cost-of-living adjustments (48%).
One-third of respondents have quit or considered quitting their jobs over the past six months, with top motivations including toxic company culture (69%), feeling disrespected or undervalued (60%), and poor work-life balance (57%).
Recommendations for staffing leaders
FlexJobs’ latest report highlights several opportunity areas for staffing agencies:
- Emphasize remote and flexible work options as primary selling points in recruitment efforts.
- Counsel clients on workplace culture improvements and flexibility initiatives to enhance retention.
- Invest in platforms that support remote work placement, candidate assessment, and cultural fit evaluation.
- Revise job descriptions to eliminate red flag language — including specific terms like “rock star,” “wearing many hats,” and “hustle,” which many job seekers find concerning — and emphasize flexibility, respect, and growth.
- Develop transparent hiring processes that address top job seeker frustrations.
See the full 2025 State of the Workplace Report for more insights.
