Vietnamese workers are increasingly prioritizing wellbeing and sustainable career development over purely financial considerations, signaling a significant shift in the country’s labor market as it heads into . While income remains a crucial factor, a growing number of employees are placing greater value on work-life balance, respectful work environments, and opportunities for skill enhancement.
A recent survey conducted by Cốc Cốc Research, encompassing over 1,000 workers and employers nationwide, revealed that 77% of Vietnamese workers are “open to work,” meaning they are prepared to consider new opportunities if presented. This willingness to change employers reflects a changing definition of job stability, moving away from long tenures with a single company and towards a focus on continuous professional growth and a secure income.
The survey data indicates that 40% of workers believe a stable job must first and foremost guarantee clear and timely salaries, bonuses, and insurance benefits. This remains a fundamental expectation, particularly given the current global economic volatility and domestic pressures from inflation and corporate restructuring. However, the emphasis on financial security is being increasingly balanced with qualitative factors.
More than 20% of respondents identified a non-toxic, respectful, and work-life balance work environment as key determinants for long-term commitment. This highlights a growing awareness of the importance of mental health and overall wellbeing in the workplace. 16.1% emphasized the role of employer investment in training and skill development, recognizing the need to adapt to rapidly evolving technologies and increasing labor market demands.
This suggests that in , “stability” will be less about remaining in the same position for an extended period and more about having a sustainable income, peace of mind, and continuous opportunities for skill development. Employees are demonstrating a willingness to stay with companies that foster progress, rather than those that offer only a perceived sense of security.
The labor market in already reflects this dynamic. 53.8% of workers remain employed at their current company and in their current position, while 16.4% have moved to different positions or departments within the same organization. This indicates proactive restructuring and internal mobility within businesses, adapting to new conditions rather than indiscriminate expansion.
Of those who proactively resigned or became unemployed, nearly 47.7% successfully found new employment, primarily within the same sector. This suggests a relatively healthy level of labor market fluidity, with workers able to transition between companies without prolonged periods of unemployment.
The survey also revealed a degree of caution among workers regarding job changes, despite continued hiring demand. A significant proportion are willing to accept lower pay for improved working conditions. Specifically, 77% of workers indicated they would forgo a portion of their income for a healthier and more balanced workplace. More than half of those respondents would accept a pay cut of approximately 10%, with this sentiment being particularly prevalent among Gen Z workers (born from to the early ).
This shift in priorities is impacting how workers assess their careers, with company culture, workplace relationships, and mental wellbeing increasingly outweighing salary considerations in long-term commitment. According to the survey, 47% of workers stay in their current roles because they feel stable, while 46% cite a positive work environment, company culture, and colleagues. Salary, bonuses, and benefits ranked third at 36%, with management quality trailing at 19%.
Looking ahead to , workers emphasize that stability begins with financial clarity – transparent pay structures and on-time salaries – but also depends on clear job objectives, psychological safety, and opportunities to reskill in the face of rapid technological change and the increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence. Recruitment transparency is also emerging as a critical issue, with over 54% of candidates feeling more secure and respected when employers are upfront about compensation, benefits, and company culture from the outset.
The findings underscore a fundamental shift in the Vietnamese labor market, where workers are increasingly prioritizing holistic wellbeing and long-term career development alongside traditional financial rewards. This evolving landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for employers, requiring them to adapt their strategies to attract and retain talent in a competitive environment.
