Dissatisfaction with their current conditions, particularly salary, and the search for a better work/life balance, help to explain this situation according to Inês Almeida, from AON, in a report by ECO.

“The high percentage of workers in Portugal who are considering changing jobs (46%) reflects a combination of several factors. 52% of workers describe their financial situation as ‘I have just enough to survive’, which is significantly higher than the global average (34%), indicating financial pressure that can motivate the search for better opportunities”, highlights the executive.

Furthermore, less than half of the workers interviewed in Portugal are satisfied with the benefits provided by their employer, while 33% even say they feel undervalued.

“This feeling of devaluation leads many workers to seek new opportunities where they feel more recognised and valued,” warns Inês Almeida, who notes that, globally, the percentage of workers with this perception is 13%. In other words, in Portugal, the feeling of devaluation is more expressive.

In the expert's view, this data shows that national companies need to invest more in employee appreciation strategies, “especially with regard to skills development since only 35% of workers trust that their employer is investing in their training and preparation for the future of work, which is a critical area to be improved”.

Inês Almeida is a regional consultant at AON Portugal. Added to these factors is another: prioritising the balance between personal and professional life. “Well-being, work-life balance and financial security are increasingly central aspects in the decision to stay or leave a company and, consequently, in the search for companies that offer more than just a salary”, comments the regional advisory consultant at AON Portugal.

Despite the challenges, the Portuguese labour market has repeatedly shown its resilience and stability, with unemployment levels remaining close to historic lows and recruitment difficulties persisting among employers.

Given this scenario, workers have realised that they are “in an advantageous position, being able to negotiate better salaries and more benefits when considering new opportunities,” points out Inês Almeida, in line with what several economists had already indicated to ECO.