Though the world of work is several years past the Great Resignation and one of the latest HR catchphrases is the “Big Stay”—suggesting workers are hesitant to jump ship, perhaps because of economic concerns—new research says a vast majority of employees are open to a new opportunity. And increasingly, salary may not play the role it used to in their job search decision-making.
According to a recent Monster poll, a full 93% of Americans surveyed are looking for or plan to look for a new job this year. Less than half (44%) are unemployed, though that number did rise from 30% in 2024.
What else has employees undertaking a job search? While salary has long been considered the greatest motivator for job seekers, the percentage of those on the hunt for a higher income dropped from 45% last year to 41% in 2025. Right behind is the 34% of job seekers who say they have no room to grow in their current job. Workers are also seeking a healthier environment and better benefits.
Job seekers today are willing to make a move even if prospective employers don’t spend big: Despite high inflation and an increased cost of living, 48% of those surveyed by Monster expect a higher salary because of those factors—a 16% drop since last year.
Today’s job seekers are savvy, says Vicki Salemi, Monster career expert. They know that salary isn’t only the number to crunch. For instance, if they were recently told to return to the office after working remotely or in a hybrid situation, they may place value on that loss of flexibility.
Money may not matter that much if candidates make a lateral move to a company offering the benefits they want, she says, especially if they can reposition their career path on an upward trajectory.
“If a new external opportunity pays the same salary in a remote position, that’s money and time saved in their pocket, along with regaining that flexibility,” Salemi says. “Plus, the new opportunity may provide them with opportunities to learn new skills and gain experiences.”
Though workers are planning to dedicate time and effort to the job search process this year, they are not without reservations. More than three out of four workers (76%) believe finding a new job in 2025 will be difficult due to the state of the economy—an 8% increase from last year.
Yet, Salemi says, employees in potentially toxic environments may recognize that “the only out is to look for a job, and they are focusing on priorities: Healthy environment first, paycheck second.”
