The Great Talent Departure

Randstad's Workmonitor reports consistently showed pay as the top priority for job seekers.  However, for the first time in its entire history, pay is no longer the primary motivator for talent.  

They are now seeking stability, flexibility, and a sense of purpose in their work. While a competitive salary remains important, there's a clear shift in what motivates and engages today's workforce compared to the past.

“Work today is about more than just a pay cheque. Talent globally are looking for workplaces that align with their personal values, aspirations and circumstances.”

Sander van ‘t Noordende, the chief executive of Randstad.

This is more than a minor adjustment; it's a fundamental change that requires employers across all industries to rethink their talent acquisition and retention strategies.  

There's a disconnect between what talent values and what employers believe they must offer for long-term retention.

The shift in priorities for 2025

A staggering 83% of talent consider job security and work-life balance to be important factors in their current role and future employment, compared to 82% who prioritise pay. 

This shift is even more pronounced among younger generations. For Gen Z and Millennials, job security ranks as a top motivator (76% and 88% respectively.) Work-life balance is cited by 63% of Gen Z and 78% of Millennials. 

Younger generations are looking for more than just a pay cheque. When the socio-economic changes of the last decade are taken into account - it helps explain why these generations consider factors beyond monetary compensation.

Connection in a disconnected world

Another development in Workmonitor is the increasing importance of belonging in the workplace. 60% of talent stated they would leave a job if they didn't feel a sense of belonging. This represents the growing desire for connection and community at work.

While people crave community, many simultaneously hide aspects of themselves at work. The report reveals that 62% of talent overall, and 72% of Gen Z, admit to concealing parts of their personality at work.

This contradiction of wanting to connect but feeling unable to be authentic, presents a unique challenge for employers seeking to create inclusive workplaces and engage employees. 

Purpose beyond profit

Workmonitor 2025 also highlights the growing importance of social impact in the workplace. More than a third of respondents (37%) said they wouldn't mind earning less if their work meaningfully contributed to their social lives. 

The increasing desire for purpose-driven work and the need to align personal values speaks a lot to the socio-economic environment of the last few years. People want to feel that their work makes a difference, and is about more than a company's bottom line.

Bridging the gap

How can businesses navigate this evolving talent landscape? 

To attract, develop, and retain the best people requires being aware of what talent truly cares about, and providing a future-proof support system that engages them. We work with clients everyday to create work environments where talent feels valued, supported, and connected. 

Training

Equips talent with in-demand skills, enhancing their job security and career prospects. We take care of their support and development for you in whatever capacity you might need.

Apprenticeships

Whether you’re looking to find talent that are early in their career, or upskill your current workforce to adapt to tech advancements in fields like AI.

Employer Brand

Building a strong employer brand is about more than just offering a competitive salary; it's about creating a workplace where people: 

1. Feel they belong.

2. Can grow and develop.

3. Can make a meaningful contribution.

The future is now

The talent departure is happening now in the Great Resignation 2.0. Don't get left behind; the statistics from the Workmonitor 2025 report paint a clear picture of how what talent wants is changing.

The old ways of attracting and retaining talent are no longer effective, but we understand the complexities of the modern market. We can help you develop a talent strategy that aligns with the needs and expectations of today's workforce, helping you place the right people in the right roles to drive your business forward. 

Contact us today to learn how our services can help you build a future-proof workforce.