Slovenians increasingly demanding: a good job is no longer just a good salary

Slovenians are increasingly pessimistic about the future of the job market, according to a survey conducted by the employment portal Moje Delo. The findings reveal growing concerns over work overload and dissatisfaction with current working conditions, yet employed individuals continue to prioritize workplace environment, flexibility, and life outside of work when choosing new employment opportunities. The survey, carried out in April by Valicon among 634 residents aged 16 to 65, highlights a shift in priorities among job seekers. A majority of respondents, 69 percent, listed a positive work environment as the most important factor when considering a new job. This was followed by proximity to the workplace (58 percent), the possibility of temporary employment (57 percent), flexible working hours (44 percent), work-life balance (42 percent), compensation system (40 percent), and the option to work from home (38 percent). Despite these preferences, many workers still cite better working conditions as their primary reason for seeking a new job, with 42 percent indicating this as their main motivation. Improved relationships or work environment were mentioned by 13 percent. In comparison to last year, more people now name workload and general dissatisfaction with work or working methods as key reasons for looking for a new position, with 10 percent citing workload and 9 percent expressing overall dissatisfaction. Stress and overwork have become significant secondary factors for employees who are not actively searching for a new job but are contemplating a change. These issues are increasingly influencing decisions to seek alternative employment, even among those currently satisfied with their roles. A notable increase has been observed in the number of people actively seeking new jobs. While the percentage of active job seekers dropped from 30 percent to 25 percent, a higher proportion of these individuals openly state their intentions. Eight percent of respondents explicitly search for new employment and communicate this clearly to others, marking the highest figure recorded in previous surveys. Personal connections play a crucial role in job searches, with 73 percent of respondents relying on personal networks, including friends and family, as information sources for potential job changes. This represents a six-percentage-point increase compared to last year. Looking ahead, the outlook for the labor market appears increasingly bleak. The share of respondents expecting an increase in unemployment within the next 12 months rose from 45 percent to 57 percent, surpassing half of all surveyed individuals for the first time. This marks a statistically significant rise in pessimism, with negative assessments of the job market continuing to grow since 2024. In contrast, a substantial portion of employed individuals, 82 percent, rate their current job as very or somewhat secure. This discrepancy suggests that while there is greater awareness of uncertainty in the job market, people feel relatively safe in their current positions. As a result, they remain selective when choosing their next employer, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance and personal well-being alongside professional stability. The results underscore the evolving expectations of employees, highlighting the need for employers to offer more than just a job, they must provide meaningful work environments that support both professional and personal fulfillment.