High willingness to change jobs coupled with caution
Around 53 per cent of respondents plan to change jobs in 2026, with a further 22 per cent at least considering a change. According to market observations, this high number of people potentially willing to change jobs is based on the response sample. It is assumed that employees who are willing to change jobs are more likely to participate in the survey. Our experience with direct approaches does not reflect this high willingness to change to such an extent. At the same time, only slightly more than half of those respondents willing to change jobs say they are currently actively looking for a new job. For many employees, changing jobs is therefore less of a natural career move and more of a carefully considered decision that depends heavily on stability, prospects
and concrete incentives – making it more difficult for companies to plan for, but easier to influence in a targeted manner.
"The survey clearly shows that many employees are uncertain and are considering changing jobs, but are not taking immediate action. For companies, this means that the applicant market is there, but is sensitive to conditions and offers," says Mag. Matthias Schulmeister, Managing Director of Schulmeister Management Consulting GmbH. "2026 will therefore be less of a classic recruitment year and more of a year of transformation in finance departments. Companies are no longer searching broadly, but very specifically – and candidates will only change jobs if the prospects, role and security are a convincing fit."
Cautious assessment of job security
The assessment of one's own job security is also mixed. Around a third of respondents believe that their own job could be at risk in the medium term due to the current economic situation. At the same time, the majority still do not feel immediately threatened. Economic uncertainty is therefore present, but so far it has led to caution rather than immediate decisions to leave.
Financial burdens as a real factor of uncertainty
In addition to emotional aspects, the current economic situation is also having a tangible financial impact. Thirty-eight percent of respondents report a decline in their annual income. The economic situation is thus having a direct impact on the personal financial situation of a significant proportion of employees – a factor that is certainly increasing sensitivity to job offers and working conditions.
Leadership and prospects as decisive factors for stability
Regardless of the economic situation, clear patterns emerge when it comes to the reasons for dissatisfaction. Unsatisfactory leadership, a lack of prospects and a poor team fit are particularly frequently cited. At the same time, these factors – alongside a fair salary and interesting tasks – are also among the most important criteria for satisfaction in one's current job and for the attractiveness of a future employer. In an environment characterised by uncertainty, clarity, orientation and development opportunities are becoming increasingly important.
Survey details
The New Year's survey was conducted for the fourth consecutive time in December 2025. A total of 1,122 employees from the financial sector took part in the online survey.
