Randstad: Four out of ten workers have changed or want to change

Four out of ten Italian workers have changed jobs in the last 6 months or intend to do so soon. In an employer, they look first and foremost for a work-life balance (at the top of their preferences and increasingly important year after year), then for a pleasant work atmosphere, attractive pay, job security, and diversity and inclusion. But in times of high inflation, salary is far from secondary: only less than half of Italian employees feel adequately paid, and insufficient remuneration is the primary reason for leaving their current job.

These are the findings that emerge from the Randstad Employer Brand Research , the Randstad survey involving 171,000 interviewees and 6,400 companies in 34 countries globally, for which in Italy over 7,500 people (employed and unemployed) between the ages of 18 and 64 were interviewed on the perceived attractiveness of 150 potential employer companies, through an independent survey in which no company can voluntarily register to participate.

In 2025, the gap between generations will widen, with Generation Z expressing preferences, expectations and habits that are different from all the others: while on average 13% of Italians have changed jobs in the last 6 months, members of Gen Z have done so in 17% of cases, a rate almost three times higher than Baby Boomers (6%). When choosing their ideal employer, Gen Z places less value on job security and more on training and development opportunities. When looking for a new job, they rely more on LinkedIn – Google and less on relational networks. They feel they belong to minorities to a greater extent (34%, compared to the average of 23%) and emphasize more the importance of diversity and inclusion in organizations.

The research shows that Ferrero is the ideal employer for Italians: with 68.5% of preferences, the Alba-based company is in first place in workers' preferences and today withdrew the Randstad Employer Brand 2025. Furthermore, the latest edition of the survey rewarded the ten companies that stood out for attractiveness within their specific reference sectors: ABB is the most attractive company as an employer in electronics, Lamborghini in automotive , Brembo in car components, Chiesi Farmaceutici in pharmaceuticals, EssilorLuxottica in the metallurgical industry, Mondadori Group in media, IBM in ICT, Italo in transport, Leonardo in aeronautics and Maugeri in Healthcare.

“Work-life balance is becoming increasingly important in people's priorities, even if in a period of uncertainty and high cost of living, salary remains fundamental in the choice to change jobs - comments Marco Ceresa , Group CEO of Randstad -. Workers' preferences vary greatly depending on professional specialization and especially age: Gen Z highlights different priorities, needs, career stages and behaviors, which highlight the need for increasingly targeted and diversified Employer Branding strategies, to capture specific needs, with the aim of attracting and retaining talent in a competition that is becoming increasingly stronger even between different sectors”.

“We are extremely proud to receive this recognition. At Ferrero, we have always adopted a policy that puts people at the center, believing that they are the true architects of the Group's success. In this context, our employer branding strategy plays a central role. We want to authentically tell who we are, what distinguishes us and why working at Ferrero means being part of an environment that values ​​growth, responsibility and a sense of belonging. It is a strategic area because it allows us to listen to the expectations of the new generations, enhance the distinctive traits of our culture and build an ongoing dialogue with those who already work with us and with those who could join our team. It is not just about attracting talent, but about consolidating a reputation based on consistency, trust and care for people every day” commented Deborah Zago , Head of HR Italy BU of Ferrero.