Despite economic uncertainty and high inflation rates, a recent survey by the business consulting firm Robert Half indicated that up to half of Canadians plan to change jobs in the coming year.

According to Robert Half's semi-annual Job Optimism Survey, 50 percent of the 1,100 employees included in the survey stated that they are currently looking for a new job or plan to look for a new job in 2023. This represents a 31 percent increase compared to six months ago.

According to the survey, the industry most likely to be affected, according to the research, is the technology sector, where 57 percent of professionals said they would be looking for new jobs.

Robert Half also said that 61 percent of employees with two to four years of experience with the same company and 55 percent of working parents responded that they plan to change jobs next year.

David King, Senior Managing Director at Robert Half, also said in a press statement on Wednesday: "Many Canadian workers continue to have confidence in the labor market despite news of layoffs and a hiring slowdown."

The main reason and significant motivator for Canadians looking for new jobs was money, indicating that economic uncertainty and inflation are exactly why workers are looking elsewhere.

According to the survey, 62 percent of participants said they want to change jobs to receive a higher salary, while 39 percent mentioned that they want better benefits and perks in their new job.

Also, better advancement and better opportunities were the reasons behind 30 percent leaving their current jobs, and 27 percent want more flexibility to decide when and where they work.

The biggest turn-offs that caused job seekers to lose interest in a role were unclear or unreasonable job responsibilities (55 percent), poor communication from the hiring manager (46 percent), and misalignment with the company culture or values (35 percent).

The survey said interest in contract work has increased, with 29 percent of professionals still employed considering leaving their job to pursue a full-time contract position. Meanwhile, one in ten professionals said they would return to a former employer if offered a salary equal to or higher than their current income.

Robert Half said it surveyed more than 1,100 workers aged 18 or older in finance, technology, marketing, creative, legal, administrative, customer support, human resources, and other companies. Participants were surveyed online between October 17 and November 7.