More than half of New Zealand workers, 57% are willing to switch careers in the next 12 months, according to a survey by recruiter Robert Half.

The majority of generations are open to a career change with millennials being the most willing at 66%. They were followed by Gen Xers at 58%, Gen Zers at 56% and baby boomers at 48%.

“More professionals are reassessing their career trajectories in the current economic landscape,” Ronil Singh, director at Robert Half, said in a press release. “The instability and fluctuations experienced in both work and life in recent years have motivated many to explore new avenues for growth, stability or better alignment with their personal values.”

Of those willing to change, 58% cited larger earnings potential as the reason. It was followed by better work-life balance at 56%; desire for a new challenge/skills, 50%; greater job stability/security, 33%; and lack of advancement opportunities in current career, 29%.

“In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, many workers are reassessing their priorities, placing greater emphasis on work-life balance,” Singh said. “Others are grappling with the rising cost of living and stagnant wages, prompting a search for careers that offer improved compensation and financial stability. Additionally, certain industries have been disproportionately affected by economic downturns, compelling workers to seek opportunities in more resilient sectors with promising long-term prospects.”