Almost half of the respondents to a recent survey administered by staffing firm Robert Half are either looking for a new job or planning to start searching for one by the end of the year.

The survey of more than 2,500 workers in the United States found that one in four is currently searching for a new role and that an additional 24 percent plan to do so by the end of the year, for a total of 49 percent overall—up by three percentage points since the last such survey in December 2022.

Seventy-four percent of Generation Z respondents would be the ones most likely to make a move this year, followed by technology professionals (64 percent), working parents (63 percent), and employees who have been with their company for two to four years (62 percent).

Those seeking other opportunities are motivated by compensation, benefits and remote work options. Fifty-five percent want a higher salary, 38 percent want better benefits and perks, while 28 percent would move on for remote work options. These rankings were unchanged from the last survey.

The respondents said that, when applying for a job, they would lose interest and withdraw from consideration for the following reasons: poor communication and follow-up from the hiring manager (52 percent); excessive—or more than three—rounds of interviews (40 percent); and a lengthy hiring process (39 percent).

"The takeaway for employers, especially those facing recruiting challenges, is that skilled workers are willing to make a move for the right opportunity," Dawn Fay, operational president of Robert Half, said in a statement. "If you're not offering competitive pay and benefits and a work culture that promotes employee well-being and professional development, you're at a big disadvantage. Being efficient and open to negotiating is also critical to landing the best talent."

The survey, which was developed by Robert Half, was conducted online by an independent research firm on May 4-30, 2023. It includes responses from more than 2,500 workers 18 and older in finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, administrative and customer support, human resources, and other areas at companies with 20 or more employees in the United States.