isolved Report: 58% of Employees Plan to Leave Despite High Job Satisfaction
isolved has released its 2026–2027 Voice of the Workforce report, revealing a growing disconnect in the labour market: while employees report high levels of job satisfaction, a majority are still actively exploring new opportunities.
Based on a survey of more than 1,300 full-time U.S. employees, the study finds that 90% of workers say they are happy in their current roles, yet 58% plan to apply for new jobs within the next year, and 56% have already done so in the past 12 months. The trend is even more pronounced among newer hires, with 86% of employees in roles for less than a year already applying elsewhere.
Satisfaction Without Loyalty
The findings highlight a shift from reactive to proactive job seeking. Employees are no longer leaving primarily due to dissatisfaction, but rather keeping options open in an uncertain and evolving job market.
“On paper, things look stable, but satisfaction doesn’t equal loyalty,” said Heidi Barnett. “Employees are being more selective about what they do next.”
This trend is particularly visible among younger workers, with Gen Z more likely to describe their roles as “good” rather than “excellent,” indicating lower long-term commitment.
“Stagnation Fatigue” Driving Turnover
isolved identifies a key driver behind this behavior: “stagnation fatigue.” Employees are not necessarily unhappy—they feel stuck.
While 74% of respondents are satisfied with their compensation, many are seeking better opportunities:
- 58% want higher salaries
- 51% are looking for career growth and advancement
“Compensation alone is no longer enough,” said Amy Mosher. “Employees want momentum, skill development, and long-term career mobility.”
Everyday Friction Fueling Attrition
Beyond pay and progression, operational inefficiencies are emerging as a major contributor to turnover. The report shows:
- 63% of employees experienced payroll issues
- 65% faced scheduling challenges
- 47% lose at least five hours weekly due to inefficient systems
These “small” frustrations have outsized impact. More than half of employees said payroll errors alone would prompt them to look for a new job.
The Role of Clarity and Communication
The study also highlights a critical gap in workplace communication. Only 25% of employees feel their employer communicates clearly, with:
- 27% saying unclear communication makes them want to leave
- 40% reporting a negative employee experience due to lack of clarity
Employees are calling for clearer expectations, defined career paths, and stronger boundaries around work-life balance. In fact, 56% said clearer advancement opportunities would increase their confidence in staying, while 44% cited off-hours boundaries as key to reducing burnout.
Clarity is also shaping attitudes toward AI adoption, with workers identifying clear usage guidelines as essential to building trust in workplace AI systems.
