Over 5 million Australians eyeing new job in 2025: reports

Findings should be 'wake-up call' for employers on how to support staff amid rising costs of living

Over 5 million Australians eyeing new job in 2025: reports

More than five million Australians are thinking of finding a new job this 2025 amid rising costs of living, according to reports.

NewsWire, citing data from employment site Indeed, reported that 5.5 million Australian employees are likely to seek new opportunities this year.

Nearly half of the respondents (48%) who said they are considering a new job said this is because they are not keeping up with the rising costs of living.

Another 34% of employees also said this is because their organisation isn't offering them a pay rise or promotions.

"Job seekers are saying the main reason they are leaving is around money and the cost of living," Sally McKibbin, Indeed career expert, told NewsWire.

"Our money isn't buying what it was five years ago, and often employees who stay in an organisation are only receiving CPI increases, with the easiest way to get a pay increase being to look for a new job."

Other reasons cited by employees for their plans to leave include:

Hiring intentions Australia

Indeed's findings come as the latest report from ManpowerGroup saw Australia's Net Employment Outlook is at 11% for the first quarter of 2025.

According to the report, only 31% of employers plan to increase their headcount in the first quarter of 2025, while 18% anticipate a decrease.

The strongest hiring intentions by location were reported in the Australian Capital Territory (24%), followed by Queensland with 15%.

For employers planning to recruit and retain staff, McKibbin said they should look into what they can pay their staff over the next 12 months.

"It's a sad truth, but sometimes the best way to get a pay increase is to leave an organisation," she said.

"Indeed's data signals a wake-up call for employers to reassess how they're supporting their people, both financially and in terms of work-life balance."