Supportive Culture and Flexible Career Growth Opportunities Drive Retention

Job Seeker Survey: Q1 2026

The Q1 2026 Job Seeker Survey, which included responses from over 3,500 applicants, reveals a labor force adapting to new hiring trends. Key findings highlight the importance of supportive leadership, company culture and growth opportunities in driving employee retention. The report also shows that workers are optimistic about careers in the skilled trades and increasingly value skill development and flexible career paths.

These insights signal to employers that strengthening workplace culture, offering vocational training and embracing diverse career progressions can significantly improve hiring and retention.

Motivating Workers Rising Optimism Career Evolution

Motivating Workers To Stay

In periods of uncertainty, employers prioritize workforce stability. According to survey responses, employees are more likely to remain with an organization when there are well-defined career advancement pathways, a supportive company culture and strong relationships with their managers.

Rising Optimism About Skilled Trades Careers

Among job seekers of all ages, professions and pay ranges, there is overwhelming excitement about skilled trades jobs. Companies hiring for these roles can promote their training and skill development to take advantage of this optimism.

Responding To Evolving Career Ambitions

Job seekers are placing greater emphasis on acquiring new skills and less on traditional career paths, leading to more people seeking second jobs. Employers that support non-linear career growth are better positioned to meet these emerging preferences.

Culture, Managers and Growth Opportunities Shape Retention in 2026

Employee retention hinges on supportive manager relationships, strong company culture and clear career paths. Managerial support and growth opportunities are key to workforce stability in a changing economy.

Learn more about what makes workers want to stay on the job.

Optimism About Skilled Trades Jobs Continues To Surge

Perceptions around skilled trades careers are favorable, presenting several advantages for employers. Promoting training, skill development and clear career paths in skilled trades helps companies build a more resilient workforce and position themselves as industry leaders.

Discover more insights about job seeker perceptions about skilled trades careers.

The Rising Popularity of Non-Linear Career Paths and Second Jobs

With more workers seeking to create a wide range of skills and land second jobs rather than pursuing management positions — employers should offer diverse training and support lateral moves to attract and retain talent.

See more insights about this shift in career ambitions.

About the Research

Aerotek’s Job Seeker Survey was conducted as an independent online survey to understand what job seekers want. More than 3,500 job seekers were asked about their career ambitions and employer preferences. Respondents were located in the U.S. and Canada and completed the survey in February 2026. The survey targeted job seekers who have applied for work from December 2025 to February 2026 and were seeking jobs in the sectors Aerotek serves, including manufacturing, robotics and automation, facilities and maintenance, distribution and logistics, construction and other industries. When you need help building and managing your workforce, contact us.