Half of Employees Now Looking to Leave, Study Finds

Despite a prevailing narrative of workers clinging to their jobs due to economic uncertainty, a new study suggests the balance of power may be shifting back towards employees. Morgan McKinley's '2026 Workplace Trends Report,' surveying over 3,200 workers and employers across seven countries, found that 50 percent of employees are now looking to leave their current roles.

The report highlights that this change is occurring subtly, beneath the surface of a seemingly frozen job market. While businesses may still hold some advantages, the study registers a growing inclination among employees to seek new opportunities. This dynamic is influenced by multiple factors as employees weigh job security, flexibility, trust in technology, growth prospects, and a sense of belonging.

These subtle shifts are interacting with broader workplace objectives, such as increasing productivity, improving engagement, and integrating artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Employers are simultaneously navigating economic pressures, evolving workforce expectations, and rapid technological advancements, creating a complex environment.

A key indicator of employee dissatisfaction is compensation. A significant 70 percent of surveyed employees reported receiving no pay increases in the first half of 2026, up from 65 percent in the same period last year. Rising inflation, exacerbated by geopolitical events, has further eroded wage purchasing power, pushing early-career earnings back into negative territory.