A New Threat Emerges — Not Just About Higher Pay

The Shifting Job Market and the Rise of Contract Work

The job market is experiencing a noticeable shift, with many professionals opting to stay in their current roles rather than seek new opportunities. This trend is particularly evident in the second half of 2025, where a softening job market and rising unemployment have made stability more appealing than ever.

According to a survey conducted by Robert Half, a leading business consulting firm, 73% of U.S. professionals plan to remain in their current positions. This figure represents a decline from previous surveys, with only 29% of respondents indicating they would actively look for a new job in January and 35% in 2024. Gen Z workers appear to be the most proactive in seeking change, with approximately 32% considering a job search, followed closely by millennials at 31%.

Workers in specific fields, such as marketing, creative industries, and technology, are also more inclined to explore new opportunities. However, even among those who are looking for a change, there is a growing interest in contract work. About 71% of those planning to switch jobs expressed a preference for contract roles over traditional full-time positions.

Dawn Fay, operational president of Robert Half, emphasized that today’s job market requires professionals to carefully evaluate their current roles and what truly matters in their careers. She noted that employers must become more strategic in attracting top talent, focusing on flexibility, career development, and a positive workplace culture.

Key Drivers for Job Seekers

For those actively searching for new roles, financial incentives remain a primary motivator. A significant majority—66%—cited a higher salary as a top priority. Other factors influencing job seekers include improved work-life balance (57%), more fulfilling work (42%), and better career advancement opportunities (38%).

Michelle Reisdorf, district president at Robert Half, highlighted that the increasing interest in contract work reflects a more fluid and skills-driven workforce. She encouraged professionals to focus on building diverse experiences and investing in new skills, which can help them stay competitive in an evolving job market.

Employers, she added, should take this opportunity to reinforce what matters most to employees. Employee satisfaction plays a crucial role in maintaining a strong company reputation, which is vital in today’s competitive landscape. A positive internal culture not only improves retention but also attracts new talent.

Reisdorf also pointed out that while salary remains important, companies need to offer clear growth paths for existing employees. When considering contract talent, businesses should look beyond short-term fixes, as many high-performing professionals are drawn to contract work for its variety, autonomy, and flexibility.

Challenges in the Job Market

The Robert Half survey coincides with data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing a slowing job market. In July, the economy added just 73,000 jobs, with previous months’ job growth revised downward. Manufacturing saw a loss of 11,000 jobs, while healthcare experienced significant gains. The overall unemployment rate remained steady at around 4.2%.

Appcast economist Sam Kuhn described the labor market as “treading water” over the past year, with a narrowing base of job growth concentrated in health care, leisure, hospitality, and government sectors. He noted that the market is cooling more rapidly than previously expected.

This challenging environment has led to frustration among job seekers. Surveys indicate that many face issues such as scams, ghost postings, and artificial intelligence recruiters. According to a survey by Clarify Capital, 46% of job seekers encountered fraudulent postings, while 44% faced ghost postings. Additionally, 17% reported interactions with AI-based hiring systems.

These challenges have had a ripple effect on companies in the career-search industry. The parent company of CareerBuilder and Monster.com recently filed for bankruptcy protection, citing a difficult macroeconomic environment. Experts suggest that the rise of low-quality applications and fake emails has diminished the effectiveness of traditional job boards.

As the job market continues to evolve, both employees and employers must adapt to new trends. For professionals, staying agile and continuously developing skills is essential. For companies, fostering a positive workplace culture and offering flexible, growth-oriented opportunities will be key to retaining talent and attracting new hires.