Vietnamese workers prioritize well-being over pay amid cautious job market

The Vietnam job market report released by Coc Coc Research found that mental well-being has become a leading consideration for workers when choosing jobs, even as wages and benefits remain important for a sense of financial stability.

The survey showed that 76.9 percent of workers said they would choose a respectful, balanced, and supportive work environment even if it meant giving up higher pay, while 40 percent still viewed salary and benefits as the foundation of job stability.

Among Generation Z workers, born between 1997 and 2012, the shift was more pronounced, with 60.8 percent saying they were willing to accept a pay cut of between one percent and 10 percent in exchange for a more suitable working environment, the report said.

The concept of a ‘stable job’ is also being redefined, moving away from long-term contracts or high salaries toward mental balance and sustainable career development.

For Gen Z employees in particular, skills stability has emerged as a top priority, reflecting a stronger focus on continuously upgrading professional skills to adapt to a volatile labor market.

Despite the changing attitudes, overall job mobility remains limited.

The survey found that 53.8 percent of workers had stayed in the same position over the past 12 months, while 48.7 percent said they were considering new opportunities and only 28.1 percent were ready to change jobs immediately if offered attractive terms.

Gen Z workers showed the highest willingness to move, with 32.8 percent actively seeking new jobs and prepared to switch right away, the report said.

On the employer side, hiring expectations remain strong, with 77 percent of businesses planning to recruit additional staff over the next 12 months as they look toward expansion in 2026.

The report pointed to a widening gap between hiring demand and workers’ willingness to switch jobs, leaving the labor market seemingly stable on the surface but cautious underneath.

The findings are based on survey data and analysis reflecting perspectives from both workers and employers, drawing on data from the Viec Lam 24h employment platform, Coc Coc Research said.