The Big Stay: 75% of Vietnamese professionals hesitant to move jobs due to job security concerns

• 83% prioritise job security over higher pay or benefits
• 53% say unemployment rates are their top economic concern
• 94% of companies say that questions around job security or company stability come up during the interview process, with 44% seeing this question come up more frequently
• 87% of companies have seen an increase in job offer declines this year

Three in four professionals in Vietnam (75%) have admitted that fears around job security are preventing them from moving jobs.

Half (50%) of the professionals say they are concerned or hesitant to apply for new roles, while a further quarter (25%) of them expressed slight concerns. This growing caution suggests that Vietnamese professionals are increasingly choosing stability over risk-taking amid continuing uncertainty in the economy.

The insights come from a recent poll conducted by global talent solutions business Robert Walters Vietnam, highlighting an emerging trend dubbed “The Big Stay” - where professionals are opting to remain with their current employers rather than pursuing new opportunities elsewhere.

While this behaviour echoes global workforce trends, the data points to unique local dynamics in Vietnam. The country’s job market, long known for its mobility and appetite for career growth, now shows a noticeable slowdown in job movement as professionals weigh economic pressures more carefully before making a change.

Shift in Priorities

An overwhelming 83% of professionals in Vietnam now place job security above higher pay or benefits - a notable shift compared to pre-pandemic years, when salary increments and career progression dominated decision-making.

This renewed focus on stability signals a deeper psychological shift among employees who are seeking to insulate themselves from the effects of a slower economy.

When asked what external factors influence their career decisions most, over half (53%) pointed to unemployment rates, followed by inflation (20%). While inflation remains a concern, it appears that fears of job loss or layoffs now outweigh worries about cost of living - a reversal of what was seen just a few years ago.

This shift suggests that job movement is increasingly tied to wider market sentiment rather than individual ambition. Many professionals are taking a “wait-and-see” approach before making big career moves, preferring the predictability of a current role to the uncertainties of starting anew.

Phuc Pham, Country Manager of Robert Walters Vietnam, comments:

“Vietnam’s professionals are becoming far more pragmatic in their career choices. 

Many now see job security as the foundation for long-term success - especially when hiring activity and business confidence remain uneven.

This shift means employers must work harder to build trust and demonstrate organisational stability if they want to attract top talent.”

Employers Feel the Impact

The “Big Stay” phenomenon is not only being felt by employees - employers are also noticing its impact on hiring outcomes.

From the employer side, 87% of hiring managers report that job offers have been declined this year, largely due to concerns about job security (33%) and company stability (13%). While some candidates cite pay or culture fit (40%) as reasons for turning down offers, job stability is fast becoming a deciding factor in whether an offer is accepted or rejected.

In response, three-quarters (75%) of employers have made adjustments to reassure candidates. Their efforts include sharing company performance updates (25%), openly discussing industry challenges (25%), and outlining growth plans (25%).

However, transparency remains uneven. Only 13% of companies describe themselves as very transparent about their financial health and long-term plans, while half (50%) say they are somewhat transparent. A quarter (25%) admit they are not transparent at all - often out of fear that revealing too much might discourage potential hires.

This lack of openness presents a challenge. While companies aim to protect their image, professionals increasingly value honesty and clarity. Employers who can strike the right balance between transparency and optimism are more likely to win candidates’ trust and commitment.

The Balance Between Stability and Growth

When asked how redundancies are decided, 64% of professionals believe companies base these decisions primarily on salary cost or team size, rather than on individual performance. This perception reinforces the belief that even high-performing employees are not immune to market-driven restructuring, further fuelling a sense of caution.

For organisations, this sentiment underscores the importance of communicating clearly about business strategy and workforce decisions. Without transparency, uncertainty spreads - and with it, employee hesitation.

The trend we’re seeing is not resignation, but reflection. Professionals want to feel secure before they make a move - and that’s redefining how companies communicate their value proposition.

Employers who can show both stability and opportunity will be best positioned to attract those ready for change.”

A Market in Transition

While the global economy continues to stabilise, Vietnam’s labour market is entering a period of recalibration. The country’s workforce - historically dynamic and aspirational - is taking a more measured approach to career movement, mirroring the global “Big Stay” phenomenon.

For businesses, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. On one hand, reduced labour mobility can limit the influx of new perspectives and innovation. On the other, companies that manage to retain and upskill their current workforce may benefit from greater loyalty and internal continuity.

As Phuc concludes: “The key for 2025 will be confidence. Employers must find ways to give professionals the reassurance they seek, while keeping their organisations agile and forward-looking.The more transparent and grounded a company appears, the more likely it will be to attract those willing to take the next step.”

ENDS