A global survey of 50,000 professionals has revealed a ‘wait-and-see workforce’ in the UK as 2 in 5 businesses struggled to hire in the last year. The 2025 Talent Trends report from Michael Page highlights a significant opportunity for businesses as 47% of professionals are actively looking for a new job – but many are holding out for a role that suits all their requirements. The report reveals top candidate concerns include salary, flexibility, work-life balance, and inclusivity. With candidates setting clear expectations from the outset, the demand for clarity from employers grows. Almost a third (31%) of professionals cite being unhappy with their current salary as the top reason for seeking a new opportunity, with a further 46% saying it’s the top reason when deciding to apply for or accept a role. While salary remains a key motivator, many professionals are hesitant to accept roles which don’t meet their full criteria. This highlights the growing importance of clear, upfront communication from employers around remuneration and benefits as part of the overall package. 47% of professionals are actively looking for a new job – but many are holding out for a role that suits all their requirements32% of professionals are working in the office more than they did last year, despite almost half feeling more productive at home43% don’t trust leadership to make decisions that balance business needs with employee wellbeing, impacting national attrition rates45% want purpose from their job – but report findings reveal significant dip in employees feeling they can be themselves at work Doug Rode, Managing Director UK&I at Michael Page, said: As we continue to navigate a ‘wait-and-see workforce’, professionals have become clear on their ideal workplace, and look to prospective employers to do the same. That said, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution and businesses that aim to appease the masses will come unstuck. In an increasingly competitive market, organisations that can clearly articulate their policies and employer value proposition across key considerations such as salary, flexibility, technology and inclusivity have a higher chance of securing candidates that align with their business, as 2 in 5 passive job-seekers remain open to roles that meet their requirements.The tension between flexibility and back-to-office mandatesWhile 81% of UK professionals say work-life balance is most important when thinking about work, 56% of professionals who find themselves returning to the office are doing so due to changing company policies. With three in five of these professionals actively searching for a role, candidates are increasingly seeking clarity on back-to-office policies. However, a stark disconnect exists: while 43% of managers believe productivity improves in person, 46% of employees report being more productive at home. Employees cite fewer distractions (93%), better time management (72%), and more autonomy (69%) as reasons they thrive outside the office.As company policies continue to evolve, the report shows a need for greater clarity from the outset. Failure to do so could not just hinder the attraction of top talent, but impact attrition rates, with 47% of professionals saying they would look for a new job if their flexible working arrangements changed. Trust in leadership to prioritise wellbeing is being erodedWellbeing remains a key priority, with 3 in 5 candidates saying they would refuse a promotion to maintain it. However, nearly half of UK employees (46%) say they don’t trust leadership to balance business needs with employee wellbeing, ultimately prompting employees to leave – a quarter of professionals currently looking for a new role say they’re unhappy with decisions made by their leadership team. A clear employer commitment to authenticity and purpose is neededThe disconnect over flexibility and growing mistrust in leadership is at odds with what candidates expect from employers in 2025. Almost half (45%) of UK candidates now say having a sense of purpose in their role is a top priority, up from 29% last year, while a further 43% seek a company culture that reflects their personal values, up from 34% in 2024. However, internal realities again aren’t matching up. Only 35% of employees feel they can be their authentic selves at work – down from 41% in 2024. Just 35% say they feel included – a 4% year-on-year decline.Without clear commitments to authenticity and purpose, businesses risk alienating their workforce and losing credibility. Companies that can align their culture with employees’ values, will have a competitive edge in the war for talent.To explore more insights from Michael Page's 2025 Talent Trends report, read more here.MethodologyAll figures, unless otherwise stated, are from an online survey conducted by PageGroup and UNLIMITED.Talent Trends 2025 is a 20-minute, quantitative online survey, conducted by UNLIMITED on behalf of PageGroup between 4th November 2024 and 19th December 2024.A total of 49,396 surveys were completed with candidates of which 15,726 were also clients. This includes 38,202 through PageGroup’s database, and a further 11,194 via a research panel partner.Data has been weighted by country to the known proportion of each country based on PageGroup’s database.About PageGroupPageGroup is one of the world’s best-known and most respected recruitment consultancies. We put people into jobs and build careers. We are customer-led, people-powered and insight driven. With operations in 36 countries, PageGroup provides recruitment services and career opportunities at a local, regional, and global level.PageGroup operates four key brands: Page Executive, Michael Page, Page Personnel and Page Outsourcing, supported by additional brands across the business.
