Survey Reveals Workforce Intentions and Indicates a Shift in the Coming Months

According to a recent survey, with the recent slowdown in hiring across the United States, many professionals are already preparing to seek new opportunities in 2025.

Research by Bartech Staffing shows that 57% of American workers intend to look for a new job in the coming months. This trend is more pronounced among those over 55, while younger employees report greater satisfaction with their current positions.

Despite this, given the economic uncertainty under the country’s new administration, most respondents are in no rush to change jobs.

Why Are So Many American Workers Considering Job Changes in 2025?

The pandemic’s impact on the U.S. economy has strengthened employees’ bargaining power but has declined in recent months, as highlighted by experts and recent labor market data.

Even so, a survey by Bankrate found that higher salaries and greater flexibility in working hours are top priorities for professionals. Nearly half of respondents value these factors, reflecting a shift in workplace expectations. Although the unemployment rate has remained stable, skilled workers seek better conditions.

This reality also challenges companies, which must offer more attractive benefits to reduce turnover.

How Is Inflation Affecting U.S. Workers?

Inflation in the United States has been rising since September of last year and currently stands at around 3%, according to Statista. While this rate is significantly lower than the 9.1% peak in 2022, it strains workers’ budgets.

A report by Resume Now indicates that 73% of professionals say they can only afford essential expenses; additionally, about a third report states that their salaries have not kept up with inflation.

What Can Companies Do to Retain Employees?

Despite economic challenges, many surveys suggest that workers are increasingly willing to leave their jobs for better conditions and benefits.

While compensation remains a key factor, there are ways how to reward employees without money, such as:

• Flexible working hours: adjusting schedules can improve work-life balance, boosting satisfaction and productivity.
• Professional development support: offering career growth opportunities reduces employees’ need to seek external positions.
• Shorter working hours: implementing reduced hours or hybrid models can enhance employees’ quality of life.
• Recognition of performance: acknowledging achievements, hosting special events, and expressing appreciation can foster engagement.

Initiatives aimed at improving workplace conditions play a significant role in enhancing job satisfaction. This, in turn, helps to reduce employee turnover and cultivate a more engaged and productive workforce over time.

Summary

The workforce landscape in 2025 signals a transformative time for employers and employees alike. With 57% of American workers intending to explore new opportunities, retaining top talent requires a proactive approach. Key drivers for these job changes include the rising demand for flexibility, competitive salaries, and evolving workplace priorities. As inflation continues to challenge financial stability, many professionals are seeking roles that align better with their personal and economic needs.

For ecommerce founders and marketers, this trend presents both challenges and opportunities. Building an environment that values employees through strategies like flexible schedules, recognition programs, and professional development can dramatically reduce turnover. Simple initiatives, such as hybrid work options or shorter workweeks, can elevate quality of life, improving both satisfaction and productivity. Incorporating these policies not only retains talent but also strengthens a brand’s reputation among potential hires.

Implementing these strategies requires immediate and purposeful action. Start by researching your team’s specific needs, using surveys or open forums to understand their priorities. Analyze gaps in current benefits and identify areas where low-cost perks, like appreciation-focused initiatives or remote work options, could make a big impact. Test these changes incrementally, gathering feedback to refine your approach. Over time, these small but meaningful adaptations to the workplace will create a more engaged, loyal workforce while drawing in skilled professionals.

As you adapt, continue exploring innovative strategies to meet workforce needs in this dynamic economy. For further insights tailored to retail and ecommerce, dive into resources like retention-focused marketing strategies or talent acquisition guides. With the right tools and a focus on aligning company values with employee demands, your business can navigate the challenges of 2025 while positioning itself as a leader in workplace satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is driving 57% of American workers to look for new jobs in 2025?

Employees are primarily motivated by higher salaries and flexible work options, both of which reflect shifting workplace expectations. Economic challenges, including inflation, have strained budgets, pushing workers to seek roles that better align with their personal and financial needs. For Shopify merchants, offering competitive pay and flexibility could create a hiring advantage.

How can ecommerce businesses retain employees in a competitive job market?

Retention starts with understanding what your team values most—this could include flexible schedules, skill development opportunities, or shorter workweeks. Implementing non-monetary rewards like recognition programs or team-building activities can boost morale and loyalty. For example, hosting regular appreciation events can increase engagement without substantial costs.

How does inflation impact employee satisfaction and retention?

Inflation has left 73% of professionals struggling to afford non-essential expenses, and one-third report that salaries aren’t keeping up. If employees face financial strain, they may be more inclined to leave for higher-paying roles. To combat this, Shopify merchants can evaluate compensation structures or offer perks like transportation stipends to ease financial stress.

Why are flexible work options so important to employees?

Flexible schedules allow employees to balance their professional and personal lives, improving job satisfaction and productivity. Shopify merchants running small teams, for instance, can adopt hybrid models where employees split time between home and in-store tasks. Flexibility not only attracts talent but also helps retain dedicated staff.

What role does professional development play in keeping top talent?

Workers increasingly value opportunities to grow their skills and advance their careers. Offering workshops or opportunities like attending an ecommerce conference can demonstrate that you’re invested in their future. These efforts reduce turnover by showing employees they’re valued and have a clear trajectory within your company.

Are shorter workweeks practical for ecommerce businesses?

Reducing hours is feasible if you streamline workflows or use automation tools like order management software. Shopify merchants can start by testing shorter hours during off-peak days. This approach could improve employee well-being without significantly impacting productivity, fostering loyalty among your team.

What’s the role of recognition in improving employee satisfaction?

Simple gestures like personalized thank-you notes or public acknowledgment of achievements can go a long way in boosting morale. You can also implement creative rewards programs, such as giving top-performing employees discounts on your products. Recognition fosters a sense of belonging and motivates employees to stay engaged.

Should ecommerce brands worry about turnover among older employees?

Yes, the article notes employees over 55 are particularly likely to consider job changes in 2025. Retaining experienced team members often requires strong benefits like flexible work hours or part-time options. Their expertise can be an invaluable resource, so adapting to their needs could offer a significant return on investment.

How can small Shopify stores compete with larger companies for talent?

Focus on offering personalized perks and fostering a positive workplace culture. Unlike large corporations, small businesses can form close-knit teams, incorporating tailored incentives like flexible roles or team events. Emphasizing your employee-centric environment can make up for the lack of corporate-level benefits.

What’s the biggest misconception about retaining employees in 2025?

Many believe it’s all about higher salaries, but the data shows flexibility and workplace culture are equally vital. For example, offering hybrid work models or professional growth opportunities builds long-term satisfaction. Investing in these areas yields better ROI than focusing solely on financial compensation.