A quarter of workers say they’re looking for a new job, signaling steady job optimism for the rest of 2023, according to a July 27 report from Robert Half, a talent solutions and business consulting firm.

In addition, another 24% said they plan to start searching for a new role by the end of the year. The combined percentage — 49% — is up from 41% during the third and fourth quarters of 2022.

“The takeaway for employers, especially those facing recruiting challenges, is that skilled workers are willing to make a move for the right opportunity,” Dawn Fay, operational president of Robert Half, said in a statement.

In the survey of 2,500 U.S. workers, job seekers said they’re most motivated by a higher salary. Better benefits and remote work options followed. About 4 in 10 workers said they’re open to contract roles.

On the other hand, workers said they’re most likely to lose interest in a role and withdraw from the application process due to poor communication and follow-up from the hiring manager; more than three rounds of interviews; and a lengthy hiring process.

Gen Z workers are most likely to make a career move in the remainder of 2023, followed by technology professionals, working parents and employees who have been with their company for two to four years.

Pay will be key for both recruitment and retention, with more than three-fourths of U.S. companies planning to increase salaries in 2024, according to a recent survey. Pay is expected to increase an average of 3.8%, as compared with 4% this year.

“If you’re not offering competitive pay and benefits and a work culture that promotes employee well-being and professional development, you’re at a big disadvantage,” Fay said. “Being efficient and open to negotiating is also critical to landing the best talent.”

Read the full report here.