Majority of Workers Eyeing Job Changes Amid "Hustle Reset": Aon Study

Aon plc has released its 2025 Human Capital Employee Sentiment Study, which surveyed over 9,000 employees across 23 geographies, including the United States, United Kingdom, Brazil, and Australia. The results highlight a global workforce in transition, with 60 percent of employees indicating plans to leave their current roles within the next year, driven by a reassessment of priorities around well-being and work-life balance. 

The study reveals a reluctance among employees to invest in artificial intelligence (AI) skill development, with only 35 percent globally motivated to acquire new skills despite the increasing relevance of AI technologies. Flexibility and work-life balance are growing priorities, ranking among the top benefits employees value. Gen Z employees, in particular, place a high emphasis on work-life balance, second only to medical benefits. 

Aon describes this trend as the "Hustle Reset," reflecting a global shift away from burnout and "always-on" workplace cultures. "Despite cooling in the job market, employees are reevaluating their values and priorities and, as they look for their next move, prioritizing employers that will support their life outside of work," said Lambos Lambrou, CEO of human capital at Aon. 

The report also highlights the importance of strong workplace culture. Beyond competitive pay and benefits, employees are drawn to companies perceived as "a fun place to work" and aligned with their personal values. 

Other insights from the study include disparities in perceptions of AI's impact, with entry-level employees less likely than executives to see AI as a major disruptor. Hybrid workers report feeling the most valued by their employers, while fully remote workers are 52 percent more likely to feel undervalued. Additionally, personalization of benefits is a key concern, with 72 percent of employees desiring choice-based benefits but only 41 percent having access to such systems. 

The study also uncovers significant communication gaps between employers and employees regarding benefits. For instance, only 38 percent of employees who value life and disability insurance believe they currently have access to these benefits. 

"The war for talent is far from over," said Lisa Stevens, chief administrative officer at Aon. "Employers feel more pressure than ever to deliver a superior experience that retains strong talent." 

Aon emphasized the role of data and analytics in addressing these challenges. Tools such as the Radford McLagan Compensation Database enable employers to benchmark pay and benefits, ensuring competitiveness in the talent market.