Nearly two-thirds of professionals in Northern Ireland plan to look for a new job in the next 12 months, a new survey suggests.

Research published by the recruitment multinational Hays found 61% of professionals in the north expect to change roles in the coming year, compared to 52% in the same survey last year.

A total of 315 professionals and employers in Northern Ireland took part in the annual research, which was conducted at the end of September.

The Hays Salary & Recruiting Trends 2026 report pointed to greater sense of pessimism among the professional workforce, with just 36% of respondents in Northern Ireland feeling positive about their career prospects for next year – a decline from 45% a year ago.

Just over half (52%) said they were uncertain about what’s around the corner, with 12% feeling negative.

The findings were broadly in line with the responses from Hays’ wider survey, which involved around 5,100 professionals and employers.

Hays said it marks the lowest level of career optimism since the first year of the pandemic, when only 37% of workers reported feeling positive about their future.

Respondents in Northern Ireland were more pessimistic when it came to career progression.

Some 53% in the north believe there’s no scope for them to progress their career in their current organisation, compared to 48% across the wider UK survey.

Hays said if workers hold true to their intentions – employers should expect to face mounting challenges in retaining talent.

The biggest obstacles employers cited in holding onto staff include an inability to match market salary expectations; a competitive job market attracting talent elsewhere; high workloads and burnout; and a lack of clear career progression opportunities.

Hays said the survey suggests job-seeking professionals are looking beyond salary.

A positive work atmosphere topped the list of priorities, followed by a strong benefits package, job location, and career development opportunities.

Just over half (53%) said they accept a lower-paid role for better work-life balance.

However, salary satisfaction has also slipped, with 44% of professionals in Northern Ireland stating they are unhappy with their salary or rate of pay – up from a third of respondents last year.

“It’s clear that a lot of people in Northern Ireland are not feeling particularly confident about their careers and changes announced in the recent Budget may add further pressures to the job market, perhaps leading some higher earners to seek a change of job in early 2026,” said Mark Wade, director of Hays in Northern Ireland.

“While our survey findings indicate many professionals feel stuck and don’t see opportunities for progression with their current employers, we are also seeing further evidence that there has been a change in what is important to people when it comes to their job and career.

“It is no longer simply about salary for many people – purpose, balance and belonging are driving career decisions and employers need to recognise this ‘emotional economy’ of work if they want to hold on to their best people and attract fresh talent.

“Being transparent and creating an attractive culture is more important than ever.”