Job seekers retain the upper hand in 2023

Despite growing economic concerns due to inflation and high interest rates, the majority of job seekers are actually feeling good about their position in the job market entering 2023. A new survey of more than 30,000 job seekers from around the country shows that there is resilience in the job market, and some lingering headaches for employers.

The Joblist 2023 United States Job Market Trends Report shows that the majority of job seekers (52%) say that they — and not employers — have the upper hand in today’s job market. Case in point: 78% of job seekers believe that they can make more money by switching jobs rather than staying put.

Unfortunately for employers, one-quarter of Joblist users quit a job in 2022, and the main reason for quitting — given by 39% of those who quit — was bad management or a toxic workplace. Although the Great Resignation has slowed in recent months, it appears far from over. The survey shows that 67% of employed job seekers are planning to quit their job in 2023. Of those planning to quit, 34% say that they would be comfortable leaving their job without a new one lined up.

“Mitigating burnout and attrition will continue to be priorities for HR professionals in 2023. Even in this age of heightened inflation, increasing pay is only part of the solution to keeping employees happy and motivated,” says Kevin Harrington, founder and CEO of Joblist. “Employers also need to focus on cultivating a positive workplace culture, providing growth and development opportunities, supporting the hybrid workforce, and proactively managing workloads. Our research suggests that all of these factors play an important role in employee happiness and productivity.”

As for in-person versus hybrid work? Thirty-six percent of job seekers are looking for a fully remote role, 44% want an in-person position, and 19% prefer a hybrid role. Many more Millennials (49%) would like a fully remote job than Gen Zers (27%), who tend to be much more likely than average to be seeking in-person opportunities (57%). Of job seekers working remotely at least some of the time, 43% say they would quit if they had to start working in person full-time in 2023.

Read more: Jobseekers want salary transparency before applying to jobs

Looking ahead to 2023, the study shows that job seekers predict the job market will be slightly more challenging this year, but not by much more. Thirty-five percent of job seekers think it will be harder to find a job in 2023 (up from 29% last year), 25% think it will be easier (down from 37% last year), and 40% think it will be the same (up from 34% last year). At 43%, Millennials are the most likely group to think it will be harder to find a new job in 2023.