Most Employees Feel OK Searching for a New Job While at Work

Most professionals feel confident testing the employment waters, even from their current office, research suggests. In a survey from global staffing firm Accountemps, 78 percent of workers said they would feel at least somewhat comfortable looking for a new job while with their present company. More than six in 10 respondents (64 percent) indicated they’d likely conduct search activities from work.

Workers were asked, “While still employed, how comfortable would you feel looking for a new job?” Their responses:

Very comfortable	44%
Somewhat comfortable	34%
Somewhat uncomfortable	17%
Very uncomfortable	6%
	101%*

Respondents were also asked about the likelihood that they would conduct job search activities from their current workplace. Their responses:

Very likely	34%
Somewhat likely	30%
Not very likely	20%
Not likely at all	15%
	99%*

*Responses do not total 100 percent due to rounding.

View the Job Searching on the Job infographic at roberthalf.com/blog/job-market/job-searching-on-the-job.

The survey revealed that professionals ages 18 to 34 are the most open to conducting job search activities at work (72 percent), compared to those ages 35 to 54 (63 percent) and 55 and older (46 percent).

In addition, the research showed men are more likely to conduct job search activities from the workplace (72 percent) than women (55 percent).

“Looking for a new opportunity during business hours can be risky and potentially threaten current job security,” cautions Michael Steinitz, executive director of Accountemps. “While it’s OK to pursue new opportunities while employed, a search should never interfere with your current job. Schedule interviews during lunch breaks or outside of business hours, and avoid posting anything on social media that indicates you’re on the market.

“Respect your current employer during the process. Using office equipment and resources for your job hunt isn’t professional or ethical,” Steinitz added. “Consider working with a staffing firm to explore new opportunities without the potential distractions that could impact your job performance.”

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