A majority of job seekers are putting more focus on personal fulfillment, according to a report released today by Express Employment Professionals. It also found that 83% of job seekers say it’s more important to have a meaningful job than a high-level job title, and 80% define success more by work/life balance than climbing the corporate ladder.

Hiring managers appeared to agree, with 85% saying it’s important for workers to have a meaningful job than a high-level job title. In addition, 84% of hiring managers say employees define success by work/life balance rather than climbing the ladder now than three years ago.

However, there’s a negative perception of employees who chose to remain in their current roles, with 55% of hiring managers saying they feel such a perception exists, according to the survey. And 64% of job seekers agree.

Concerns about employees who aren’t interested in advancing include lack of drive, cited by 34% of hiring managers; being uncommitted, cited by 22%; and being unengaged, cited by 22%.

“Whether it’s an entry-level position or an executive role, every job contributes significantly to the overall functionality and success of the workforce,” Bill Stoller, Express Employment International CEO, said in a press statement. “People’s ambitions vary, but one thing that all employees should have in common is to find continuing education opportunities to excel in their duties and always strive for improvement.”

The survey was conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between June 13 and June 26, 2023, among 1,010 hiring decision makers.