More than four in 10 workers, 41%, plan to look for a new job in the first half of 2022, up from 32% six months ago, according to a survey released today by Robert Half International Inc. (NYSE: RHI). The biannual Job Optimism Survey of more than 2,400 professionals tracks worker sentiment on current and future career prospects and reveals implications for employers.

Top reasons for seeking new jobs are to secure a salary boost, cited by 54%, better benefits and perks, 38%, and the ability to work remotely permanently, 34%. Those most likely to start job searching are:

• Gen Z professionals: 52%
• Employees who have been with their company for two to four years: 49%
• Technology workers: 47%

In addition, the survey found that 28% of professionals planning to look for a new job would quit without another one lined up.

“This is the first time in my 37-year staffing career that I’ve seen so much movement in the market and so many opportunities for workers at all levels," said Paul McDonald, Robert Half senior executive director. “With nearly half their workforce poised to make a move, companies should be highly concerned about retention in the coming months.”

Regardless of job search plans, 87% of workers surveyed feel confident about their current skill set and 61% seek a promotion as the next step in their career, according to the research. However, 41% feel they don't have a clear path for advancement at their company and one-third of employees, 34%, feel performance discussions with their manager are ineffective and don't help them reach their professional goals.

The online survey was developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm from Nov. 11 to Nov. 29. It includes responses from more than 2,400 adult workers in finance, technology, marketing, legal, administrative support, human resources and other areas at companies with 20 or more employees in the US.