The majority of Australian workers are planning to switch to new jobs this year, and many are also considering relocating interstate. A survey of white-collar professionals conducted by recruitment specialist Robert Walters revealed that 56% of employees are considering relocating in the next 12 months, while 54% are willing to move interstate.
Read Also...:
Adelaide ranked hottest city in the world as state smothered by hottest day in years
02-13, 2025
All hell is going to break out': Trump says ceasefire deal should be cancelled if Hamas doesn't release all h
02-13, 2025
'We'll bring hygge to Hollywood': Danes jokingly petition to buy California as Trump seeks Greenland
02-13, 2025
Trump says he and Russian leader Putin have agreed to begin 'negotiations' on ending Ukraine war
02-13, 2025Meanwhile, only 36% of employers anticipate that employees will make such decisions. The survey indicated that the main reasons for employee relocation are higher salaries (48%), better job opportunities (22%), lower cost of living (13%), and better work-life balance (13%).
Shay Peters, CEO of Robert Walters Australia and New Zealand, stated, "More than half of employees are considering relocation, while the majority of employers are unaware of this, clearly indicating a significant disconnect between the needs of businesses and their employees. To retain talent, companies must understand and align with employee expectations before it's too late."
Peters pointed out that the choice of where to live is no longer just a "personal preference" but a strategic decision driven by financial pressures as the cost of living continues to rise. "While major cities like Sydney and Melbourne offer attractive salaries, their high cost of living is prompting more people to consider cities like Brisbane and Perth," he said. "These cities offer a more affordable lifestyle, better work-life balance, and the opportunity to live in less congested areas, making them attractive options for skilled professionals."
Peters also mentioned, "At the same time, the higher salaries and greater job prospects in Sydney and Melbourne may continue to attract people to these cities. This is a factor that people need to weigh when considering where to relocate." Furthermore, the survey found a significant imbalance, with 42% of New Zealand respondents planning to move to Australia, while only 2% of Australians are considering moving to New Zealand.
"Now more than ever, Australia and New Zealand should be viewed as a single, integrated talent pool," Peters said. He cautioned employers that employee relocation is rapidly becoming the norm for white-collar careers. "As this trend continues, companies must prepare for an increasingly competitive hiring environment and strengthen their talent retention strategies," Peters said. "Those companies that offer relocation packages, flexible work policies, and attractive salary structures internally will be better positioned to attract and retain the talent necessary to drive growth and success in the coming years."
