Rising Turnover Risks Challenge Employers: Aon

A large portion of employees are contemplating leaving their jobs within the next year, indicating widespread job dissatisfaction and potential workforce instability, according to Aon’s 

2025 Human Capital Employee Sentiment Study. The study, which surveyed over 9,000 employees across 23 countries, reveals the need for businesses to adapt to the changing demands of the workforce.

"The results of our inaugural Human Capital Employee Sentiment Study reveal that employee expectations are shifting and the war for talent is far from over. Employers feel more pressure than ever to deliver a superior experience that retains strong talent," says Lisa Stevens, Chief Administrative Officer, Aon.

According to the study, 60% of employees are actively considering leaving their roles within the next 12 months. This high level of turnover intention highlights the widespread dissatisfaction employees feel toward their positions, driven by a lack of motivation to improve their skills, particularly in the context of emerging technologies like AI.

At the same time, demand for flexibility and well-being initiatives is on the rise. Work-life balance benefits, including job-sharing and technology-free hours, ranked as the third most valued benefit among employees globally. For Generation Z, these benefits were the second most important after medical benefits. 

The study also highlights that company culture plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining talent. While competitive pay and benefits remain important, employees place increasing value on companies that are seen as enjoyable places to work and align with their personal values. 

Additionally, the study uncovered some disparities in how executives and employees view the future of work, particularly with respect to AI. While 22% of C-suite executives believe AI will significantly replace jobs, only 11% of entry-level employees share this belief. Furthermore, hybrid workers reported feeling the most valued by their employers, while remote workers were more likely to feel undervalued.

Aon's research also points to a growing gap between employee expectations and employer offerings in the area of benefits. While 72% of employees said personalized benefits are important to them, only 41% of companies offer a choice-based system. Moreover, communication gaps between employers and employees are hindering the effective utilization of benefits. For example, only 38% of employees who consider life and disability benefits important believe they have access to them.