Is 2026 the year of ‘The Great Rebalance’?

Written By Zac Costello

Nearly 50% of European workers are looking for a new job in 2026.

That’s almost 1 in 2 of us!

And whilst pay still ranks as the number one reason for job hunting, the next top spots include wanting to reduce stress and achieving a greater work-life balance.

So, could 2026 be the year of ‘The Great Rebalance’ – the year we trade progression at the cost of long-hours, confusing priorities and mandatory in-office days, for a more sustainable and fulfilling career?

Whether you view this a retention challenge or a talent opportunity, the organisations that prioritise the employee experience and create human-centric work environments will be the ones that differentiate themselves. And they’ll be the winners.

How people feel at work is just as important as what they do.

Zac Costello

Zac is the Founder and Strategy Director of Rocket, a consultancy dedicated to internal communications, employee experience, and culture. With over 15 years of hands-on expertise, Zac has partnered with global organisations like Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, eBay, Cisco, FIFA, the Ministry of Defence, and the NHS to build strategies that create better experiences and deliver real results.

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