Employees Look to Be on the Move.

• Position: THE WORKFORCE

Many workers will be on the move in the coming months, according to global staffing firm Robert Half's job optimism survey that tracks employee sentiment on current and future career prospects and reveals key implications for employers.

Some 87% of workers surveyed feel confident about their current skill set and job security, but that does not guarantee they will stay put, as 32% indicate they plan to look for a new role in the next several months. The top reasons are to obtain a salary boost and have greater opportunities for career advancement (29% each).

Fifty-five percent of Gen Z employees (ages 18 to 24) plan to pursue a new job; 32% say the main reason is due to lack of professional development opportunities at their current company.

More men (36%) than women (29%) anticipate launching a job search in the next few months. Professionals earning less than $50,000 a year are most interested in making a career move.

"Since the pandemic started, professionals have endured an uncertain employment landscape," says Paul McDonald, senior executive director of Robert Half. "As we turn the corner on COVID-19 and business conditions improve, employers will face new hiring and retention challenges and must adapt to meet the needs of a more resilient and resolute workforce."

Thirty-one percent of professionals say they had a shift in perspective due to the pandemic and prefer to work for an organization that better aligns with their personal values. In addition, 71% of employees would leave a...