62% of UK professionals changed jobs in the past five years – LHH

62% 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%.