Half of Spanish Employees Consider Quitting, Salary Remains Top Motivator
A recent study on the Spanish labor market has revealed a significant shift in workplace attitudes. According to the ‘The New Balance of Work 2026: Trends and Challenges’ report by corporate services company Pluxee, as many as 50% of Spanish employees are currently open to changing companies or are actively looking for new job opportunities.
Among all employees considering a job change, 67% cite ‘the pursuit of a higher salary’ as the primary reason. Behind this figure is widespread financial pressure: 61% of employees are dissatisfied with their current salary, and 88% of respondents report having had to cut personal expenses in the past year.
Significant Generational Differences: The Young Seek Change, The Old Prefer Stability
The report highlights differing views on job stability and career development across different age groups.
- Gen Z: As the youngest segment of the workforce, their desire to switch jobs is the strongest. A striking 75% of Gen Z employees are considering a job change, with 20% actively searching and another 55% open to new opportunities.
- Millennials: As the core of the labor market, 12% of this group are actively looking for a job, while another 48% are willing to consider positions at other companies.
- Gen X and Baby Boomers: In stark contrast, older employees tend to prefer stability. Data shows that 58% of Gen X and a significant 80% of Baby Boomer employees state they do not wish to change their current job under any circumstances.
Beyond Salary: Work-Life Balance Becomes a New Focus
While salary is the main driver of employee turnover, the importance of non-monetary rewards is increasingly prominent. The report indicates that job flexibility, a better work-life balance, and reasonable working hours have become key factors influencing employee decisions.
The study found that 85% of employees would consider leaving if their company fails to provide measures that ensure a work-life balance. Gender and age are particularly significant factors here: 43% of Gen Z employees and 33% of female employees explicitly state they would not hesitate to switch jobs for a company offering a better work-life balance.
The Value of Employee Benefits: A Key to Talent Retention
The role of employee benefit plans in talent attraction and retention strategies continues to grow. Data shows that the percentage of employees citing ‘better employee benefits’ as a reason for switching jobs has risen from 23% last year to 29%, an increase of 6 percentage points.
Currently, the top five most valued employee benefits in Spain are:
- Health insurance
- Restaurant vouchers or meal allowances
- Company contributions to pension plans
- Transportation passes or commuter allowances
- Training subsidies
This data indicates that for modern enterprises to attract and retain top talent, offering a competitive salary is no longer enough. Building a comprehensive rewards system that meets the diverse needs of employees, especially by focusing on their quality of life outside of work, has become essential for companies to stand out in the fierce competition for talent.
