New polls from people2people Recruitment reveal that Australians are prioritising financial stability over flexibility – a major shift from just two years ago.
According to the data, 45% of Australian workers say a pay rise would make them feel most secure, compared to only 8% who prioritise work flexibility. Side income opportunities (24%) and job stability (22%) round out the top responses, signalling a growing reluctance to change roles in an unstable economy.
“After years of workplace transformation, Australians are now craving security,” said Suhini Wijayasinghe, Head of HR Solutions at people2people Recruitment. “Many are clinging tightly to their current jobs, not because they’re completely satisfied, but because they’re worried the grass isn’t greener elsewhere.”
Job security trumps ambition
The research shows that three in five Australian workers are unlikely to apply for a new role due to concerns about the global economy, with Millennials and Gen Z the most hesitant (50%). In addition, three in five Australians say they are more concerned about their finances now than at the start of the year, with Baby Boomers feeling this strain the most.
“Younger workers, who once drove the Great Resignation, are now driving the Great Hesitation,” Suhini noted. “Workers are focusing on stability and protecting their financial well-being.”
Workplace fatigue remains high
While the cost-of-living crisis has intensified, worker burnout remains unchanged. Approximately 68% of Australians reported they are more stressed and burnt out than at the start of the year, the same figure as in 2024, and one in two skipped holidays this year because they couldn’t afford it.
Return to the office attitude remains firmly hybrid
Two in five Australian workers say they still don’t want to work in the office full-time in 2026, with 30% saying they would quit if forced back full-time. Among those open to attending the office, the preferred schedule is two to three days per week (29%), and only 19% would accept four to five days.
“Despite the shift back to in-office culture across some industries, flexibility remains non-negotiable for many employees,” Suhini said. “People want balance, and they’re willing to negotiate or walk away to keep it.”
Pay expectations drop, but divide remains
In 2023, 62% of Australian workers felt they should be paid more if required to work full-time in the office. By the end of 2025, that figure has dropped to 50%, reflecting what Suhini describes as a “reality reset.” Generational divides persist: 65% of Millennials and Gen Z still expect extra pay for full-time office work, compared to 53% of Gen X and only 35% of Baby Boomers.
“The drop in pay expectations reflects a cooling job market,” she explained. “Candidates know the power has shifted, it’s not as favourable for job seekers as it was two years ago.”
Predictions for 2026: a year of pragmatism
Looking ahead, Suhini expects 2026 to be defined by pragmatism – with financial stability and well-being taking precedence over career progression. “Next year will be about consolidation,” Suhini said. “We’ll see employees stay put, negotiate smaller pay rises, and push for sustainable workloads. Employers who respond with empathy and flexibility, rather than perks and slogans, will come out on top.”
