en
Jobs

Let our industry specialists listen to your aspirations and present your story to the most esteemed organisations in the UK, as we collaborate to write the next chapter of your successful career.

See all jobs
About Robert Walters UK

Since our establishment in 1985, our belief remains the same: Building strong relationships with people is vital in a successful partnership.

Learn more

Work for us

Our people are the difference. Hear stories from our people to learn more about a career at Robert Walters UK

Learn more

Retaining top talent

Across the board, retention seems to dip once employees have spent more than three years at an organisation. This correlates directly with satisfaction levels. Our survey revealed that 22% of professionals state that their needs are met within the first year of employment, with this dropping to around 10% at the three to four year point.

Download the research paper here.

Candidates who have been with their current employer for less than one year cited better career opportunities (35%) and better money prospects (16%) as some of the main drivers for relocating to a new role.

However, there was a notable shift in mind-set for candidates who have been with their current employer for three to four years as almost 70% stated that a better lifestyle would be the main reason for a job move, followed by better career opportunities (17%) and the opportunity to be closer to friends or family (17%).

Interestingly, almost no candidates who had been with their current employer for three to four years stated that a job relocation would be driven by salary - suggesting that companies do a good job of remunerating candidates who have given over three years of service.

Research covers:

  • Tailoring the job offer to meet candidate expectations
  • Understanding employees’ current career priorities
  • Retaining top talent
  • Getting the hiring process right
     

Key Findings:

  • Being valued within a company (25%) and work-life balance (17%) are considered the main career priorities
  • After five years, being valued (35%) becomes even more important to employees
  • Only 9% of professionals state that securing a substantial pay rise is a key career priority
  • In contrast, organisations believe employees career priorities is led by salary & package (45%) and good progression opportunities (25%)
  • Only professionals within banking & financial services ranked obtaining a substantial pay rise as a key career priority (18%)
  • 40% of professionals stated that they would consider working in temporary, interim or contract job roles
Share this article
Related content

Submit a vacancy

Salary Survey

Hiring advice

Get in touch

Find out more by contacting one of our specialist recruitment consultants

Related content

View all
Top Talent Trends in Recruitment 2026

Understanding talent trends is essential for organisations navigating today’s fast-changing workforce. Each year, shifting employee expectations, evolving hiring models and advances in technology reshape how businesses attract, engage and retain people. Our latest guide explores the global talent tr

Read More
Offshoring talent: A complete guide to offshore success

In a world that's more connected than ever, offshoring goes beyond just a cost-saving tactic. It's a way for businesses to access global talent, scale operations, or even drive innovation by leveraging niche expertise from specific regions. Packed with practical insights, proven frameworks, and real

Read More
The new hiring interview questions you should be asking

The job market is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead of the curve is essential for attracting and retaining top talent. To ensure your hiring practices remain effective in 2025 and beyond, it's crucial to embrace emerging trends and adapt your interview strategies accordingly. Because it’s the key

Read More