Marvin Onumonu62% of professionals in the UK’s professional sector had changed jobs in the past five years, with 30% moving roles at least twice, research from LHH found.
Women were slightly more likely to switch, with 63% changing jobs compared to 60% of men.
By generation, 83% of Gen Z had moved roles, 65% of Millennials had switched, and only 43% of Gen X had changed jobs in the same period.
When asked about skill gaps, 47% of HR leaders said employees lacked artificial intelligence (AI) skills.
Research also found 76% of professionals saw AI skills as vital for their careers, saying it was about improving job prospects and standing out to future employers.
Salary was the most important factor when choosing a new job, with 83% of professionals choosing pay as their top priority.
Flexible working policies followed at 65%, benefits at 54%, and career progression at 45%.
Other factors included company culture at 29%, the manager at 25%, job title at 8%, maternity and paternity policies at 7%, and company prestige at 7%.
Career progression ranked fourth overall, but was more important for gen Z at 59%.
Millennials put career progression at 49%, while 31% of gen X focused on stability and work-life balance.
When asked what would help them stay in a job, professionals chose improved benefits at 46%, clearer career progression opportunities at 43%, better flexible working policies at 41%, more investment in training and development at 31%, and a better relationship with their manager and the leadership team at 23%.
