Research conducted by recruitment firm Robert Walters revealed that 56 per cent of Australian employees are considering relocating within the next 12 months, despite only 36 per cent of employers anticipating such moves.
The research found that the primary driver behind this shift is higher salaries, as revealed by 48 per cent of employees. Other key factors influencing relocation decisions include seeking better job opportunities (22 per cent), lower cost of living (13 per cent), and the desire for a better work-life balance (13 per cent).
Robert Walters Australia and New Zealand CEO Shay Peters commented, “With over half of the workforce considering relocation and most employers unaware of this, it’s clear that businesses are very disconnected from the needs of their employees. To retain talent, companies must understand and align with employee expectations before it’s too late.”
He added, “As living costs continue to rise, more individuals are seeking locations that offer higher salaries or a lower cost of living. The decision of where to live is no longer just a matter of preference; it has become a strategic decision driven by financial pressures. Choosing a place where one can earn a competitive income without spending most of it on daily living expenses will be a pivotal factor in these moves.”
The research also noted a rise in interstate migration, with 54 per cent of employees eyeing a move to another state in Australia for better pay and more career opportunities.
“While major cities like Sydney and Melbourne offer attractive salaries, their high cost of living is prompting more people to consider cities like Brisbane and Perth,” explained Peters. “These cities offer a more affordable lifestyle, better work-life balance, and the opportunity to live in less congestion areas, making them compelling options for skilled talent. At the same time, the potential for higher salaries and greater job prospects in Sydney and Melbourne will likely continue to draw people to these cities. This is something people will need to weigh up when considering where to relocate to.”
The research also revealed a concerning trend for New Zealand, with 42 per cent of New Zealanders looking to relocate to Australia, compared to only two per cent of Australians considering a move to New Zealand.
“This shift presents a significant opportunity for Australian employers looking to fill skills gaps,” explained Peters. “For businesses, expanding recruitment efforts to include both Australia and New Zealand as an integrated talent pool can provide access to a broader pool of skilled professionals, helping organisations stay competitive in industries that require specialised expertise. Now more than ever, businesses should be viewing Australia and New Zealand as a single, integrated talent pool.”
As workforce mobility grows across borders and state lines, Robert Walters stressed that companies must adapt to an increasingly competitive hiring landscape.
“Relocation is no longer just a strategy for personal growth—it’s becoming a vital part of how employees are navigating their careers.” Peters said. “As this trend continues, companies must prepare for an increasingly competitive hiring environment and must enhance their retention strategies. Those that offer relocation packages within the business, flexible work policies, and attractive salary structures will be better positioned to capture and retain the talent necessary to drive growth and success in the coming years.”
