Vietnamese workers are increasingly prioritizing wellbeing over pay, with 77% saying they would give up part of their income for a healthier and more balanced workplace, according to new labor market survey by Coc Coc Research and Viec Lam 24h.

The findings highlight a shift in career priorities as workplace pressure rises and mental health becomes a leading concern.

Based on a nationwide survey of more than 1,000 workers and employers, the report shows growing caution toward job changes despite continued hiring demand.

More than half of respondents willing to accept lower pay said they would take a cut of about 10%, a view most common among Gen Z workers born from 1997 to the early 2000s. Others said they would accept deeper cuts, continue to prioritize income security, or remain satisfied with their current jobs.

The findings signal a shift in how workers assess careers, with company culture, workplace relationships and mental wellbeing increasingly outweighing salary considerations in long-term commitment.

The meaning of job stability has also evolved. Workers now associate stability less with tenure or high salaries and more with work-life balance and sustainable personal growth.

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%, while management quality ranked last at 19%.

Looking ahead to 2026, workers say stability begins with financial clarity, including transparent pay structures and on-time salaries, but also depends on clear job objectives, psychological safety and opportunities to reskill amid rapid technological change and the spread of artificial intelligence.

Recruitment transparency also emerged as a key issue. Most respondents said clear salary information and upfront descriptions of company culture signal respect and reliability.

Prompt responses from human resources teams, even automated messages, help candidates feel acknowledged, while clear interview processes and professional interviewers strengthen employer credibility.

By contrast, vague job descriptions remain the top reason candidates reject offers, cited by 55% of respondents, even when salaries appear attractive.

Nearly half said signs of toxic workplace culture, often revealed through negative reviews, would also deter them, with Gen Z showing the strongest reaction to employer reputation and values.

The report concludes that the 2025-2026 labor market faces a confidence gap rather than a shortage of opportunities, as many workers hesitate to leave existing jobs while employers struggle to attract cautious candidates.

As a result, the market appears stable on the surface but subdued underneath, with momentum expected to build in 2026.

While most workers remain in place for now, nearly half are quietly exploring new options and only 28% say they would switch jobs immediately if a strong offer emerged.

Gen Z stands out as the most mobile group, actively seeking opportunities and ready to move quickly, signaling where future shifts in Vietnam’s labor market may begin.