Ryan FowlerNearly four in ten UK workers are planning to change jobs in 2025, according to the What Workers Want survey from New Possible. The annual report reveals growing dissatisfaction with pay, leadership, and workplace culture, alongside increasing demand for flexible working arrangements.
The survey of 2,014 UK employees found 39% are likely to leave their jobs in the next 12 months, up from 33% in 2024. The rising dissatisfaction comes as 14% of workers believe they are at risk of redundancy, and expectations for pay rises remain high at an average of 7%—well above the 2.5% inflation rate.
The report highlights a significant shift in attitudes toward flexibility, with 59% of employees without flexible working options planning to leave their jobs, compared to 50% the previous year. Flexible hours, remote working, and additional holidays emerged as the most valued benefits.
“Pressure is mounting on organisations that fail to offer flexibility,” the report states. Workers with flexible arrangements were also found to feel more secure in their roles, with 13% perceiving a risk of redundancy compared to 18% among those without flexibility.
Poor leadership and workplace culture are cited as the main reasons workers are leaving. Employees described unhealthy workplace cultures as “toxic” and “greedy,” with many reporting feeling undervalued.
Pay dissatisfaction played a smaller role in departures compared to previous years, with 11% citing it as a primary reason for leaving, down from 16% in 2024. However, workers in hospitality, retail, and healthcare expressed the highest pay expectations, reflecting ongoing pressure from cost-of-living increases and staff shortages.
The survey found 30% of employees reported a decline in their wellbeing over the past year, with transport, IT, and retail sectors showing the sharpest drops. Employees in these sectors frequently cited long hours and high pressure as key frustrations.
Engineering, manufacturing, and charities reported the highest levels of job satisfaction, while healthcare, retail, and logistics ranked at the bottom. IT, which was the most satisfied sector in 2024, now shows growing dissatisfaction, with frustrations around pay and work-life balance.
Nate Harwood, CEO of New Possible, said: “Flexibility, meaningful work, and fair pay are no longer optional—they are essential. Organisations that fail to adapt risk losing their best people and undermining their future growth.”
