Willingness to change jobs reaches new high – development opportunities and purpose become top priorities

Press Release
Willingness to change jobs reaches new high – development opportunities and purpose become top priorities

• Stepstone Hiring Trends Update: Lack of growth, recognition, and meaning drive employees’ desire for change
• Upward trend: More than two-thirds of employees regularly think about changing jobs
• Generation Z, in particular, often questions the purpose of their work

Düsseldorf, November 11, 2025 – More and more employees in Germany are thinking about changing jobs. The desire for change has now reached a new high. According to a representative Stepstone survey of more than 1,000 recruiters and 6,800 employees in Germany, 68% have thought about changing jobs at least several times a month over the past six months. The result continues a long-term trend: in 2023, the figure was 64%, and in 2021, it was 53%.

“The desire for professional change has been steadily increasing for years,” says Dr. Julius Probst, labor market expert at The Stepstone Group. “This is especially true in economically uncertain times. When budgets are cut, teams shrink, and salaries barely increase while the cost of living continues to rise, many start to think about changing jobs. The desire for a workplace that offers stability, growth, and fair conditions becomes stronger.”

What matters most when changing jobs: more recognition, growth, and purpose

One of the main reasons employees want to change jobs is the lack of personal growth. Almost half of respondents (47%) want more opportunities to develop their skills. This desire is particularly strong among those under 30: 56% in this age group say they see too few opportunities for development. In addition, 43% say they miss regular feedback or clearly defined expectations from their managers.

A lack of appreciation also plays a role. Around one-third of dissatisfied employees feel their ideas are not heard (37%) or that their tasks do not match their strengths (38%). Almost one in four (23%) say they do not find meaning in their work. Among Generation Z, this applies to roughly one in three (32%).

Employers under pressure: expectations of jobs are rising

The results clearly show that employees are increasingly questioning what good work means to them. Julius Probst also sees employers as having a responsibility here: “Performance and motivation thrive where leaders listen, support, and build trust. People want to feel that their work is valued, that they can grow, and that their contribution matters to the company’s success. When that’s missing, many start looking for a change.”

About the study
For the biannual “Hiring Trends Update,” Stepstone surveyed a total of 1,067 recruiters and 6,857 employees in Germany from September 10 to 22, 2025. The study examined perceptions, challenges, and priorities in recruiting, as well as assessments of skills, qualifications, and soft skills. The employee sample is representative of the German workforce by age, gender, and education.

About The Stepstone Group  
The Stepstone Group is a leading global digital recruitment platform that connects companies with the right talent and helps people find the right job. AI-driven job marketplaces and programmatic-powered marketing solutions connect about 140 million job applications with more than 130,000 employers every year. In 2024, The Stepstone Group generated revenue of over €900 million. The Stepstone Group operates in more than 30 countries - including Stepstone in Germany, Appcast in the USA, and Totaljobs in the UK. The company is headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany and employs about 3,000 people worldwide. For more information: www.thestepstonegroup.com/english  

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