Almost half of professionals in the engineering field prefer job benefits over increased salary, according to a study by Randstad.
The engineering sector is witnessing a significant shift in talent priorities, with work-life balance, job flexibility, and values alignment becoming top considerations for professionals, often surpassing salary considerations.
In a recent survey, nearly half (48%) of engineering sector workers prioritise work-life balance initiatives over salary, reflecting a growing awareness that a healthy personal life is essential for productivity and job satisfaction. Companies lacking in work-life balance support risk high turnover, particularly among Gen Z, 47% of whom plan to leave jobs without such support within six months. On the other hand, firms with strong well-being programs see up to 28% higher productivity and better retention.
In the engineering and manufacturing sector specifically, 83% of professionals rank work-life balance as the most important factor in career choices, above salary or traditional remuneration models. Employers are responding by providing more flexible policies and cultivating cultures that respect personal time.
The rise of AI tools in engineering has enhanced productivity and job satisfaction. However, professionals call for better organisational support, including training and clear communication around AI's role. Transparency in company culture, career pathways, and flexibility policies is essential for attracting and retaining engineering talent.
Burnout concerns remain high amid industry restructurings and layoffs. A 2025 survey found 38% of tech and engineering professionals working longer hours than before, intensifying pressure on work-life balance. Layoffs in major tech companies exacerbate these pressures, emphasising the urgent need for supportive work environments and flexible practices to sustain engineering talent.
Hiring pressures are resuming as capital projects and product development pick up, but the skills shortage persists, and candidate expectations continue to rise, especially in values alignment and flexible working conditions.
Engineering talent in 2025 expects a strong commitment to work-life balance and well-being programs, meaningful job flexibility beyond salary, including remote options and flexible hours, alignment with employer values and transparent culture, effective support during technological transitions like AI adoption, and responsive approaches to manage burnout and workload.
Employers who clearly communicate and act on these priorities are best positioned to attract and retain skilled engineering professionals in today's competitive market. Over half of engineering sector workers (58%) would leave a job if they didn't feel they belonged, while 84% of engineering sector workers feel a strong sense of community, exceeding the global average of 76%.
The global demand for talent in the engineering sector is projected to increase by over 80% by 2030, making it crucial for employers to adapt to these evolving priorities to remain competitive.
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- In the realm of finance and business, companies are recognizing the importance of work-life balance and quality of life initiatives, as demonstrated by almost half of engineering sector workers prioritizing these over salary.
- The technological advancements in the engineering sector, such as AI tools, are enhancing productivity and job satisfaction, but there is an emphasis on better organizational support for professionals, including training, clear communication about technology's role, and responsiveness during transitions.
- As the demand for engineering talent in education and self-development, as well as in personal growth, continues to grow, employers focusing on career development, work-life balance, values alignment, and flexible working conditions are more likely to attract and retain skilled engineering professionals, as indicated by a survey showing over half of engineering sector workers would leave a job if they didn't feel they belonged.
