Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, 35% of employees are contemplating a job search within the next 12 months. The top motivators? A higher salary (49%) and improved work-life balance (41%), according to Kaspersky's in-depth research, Securing the Future of Work.
Even in an uncertain job market, workers remain driven. Nearly half (48%) prefer staying in their current roles but seek better alignment with personal lives. Lockdowns and remote work have sparked reflection on careers, growth, and new skills.
The primary draw for switching jobs is undeniably better pay (49%), closely followed by enhanced work-life balance (41%). The pandemic has heightened appreciation for family time, hobbies, and personal pursuits—priorities employees want to protect moving forward.
Beyond compensation and flexibility, 35% seek roles with greater social impact. The events of 2020 prompted deeper reflection on job purpose, influencing how and where people invest their time and energy.
Chart 1: Drivers for a career switch
“People are redefining their work realities by reassessing needs and capabilities. Whether changing jobs or not, they aim to preserve remote work benefits and balance. Success requires adaptability, smarter workflows, a secure setup, and personal accountability for cybersecurity,” says Sergey Martsynkyan, Head of B2B Product Marketing at Kaspersky. This mindset can ultimately benefit employers too.
