Brazil's firms grapple with talent retention as workers prioritize work‑life balance

A new Michael Page "Talent Trends 2026" survey shows that 94% of finance professionals in Brazil are open to external offers and 78% of executives plan to change employers within three years, with 43% targeting a move within 12 months. Respondents cite work‑life balance (71%) and compensation (70%) as the top reasons for considering new jobs, while organizational culture (54%) and wellness (26%) also play significant roles. The survey indicates that retention has become a multidimensional challenge, with salary alone no longer the main lever.

Youth turnover is high: 52% of 14‑ to 17‑year‑olds stay less than a year in a position, driven by low pay and temporary contracts. Among young professionals, 39% aim to become technical specialists, compared with only 13% aspiring to leadership roles. Gallup's "State of the Global Workplace 2026" reports that just 20% of workers worldwide are engaged, costing the global economy about US$10 trillion (roughly 9% of global GDP). In Brazil, mental‑health related temporary disability benefits rose 15.7% year‑on‑year, reaching 546,000 claims, underscoring the link between employee well‑being and productivity. Experts stress that effective leadership and clear communication are crucial for maintaining engagement and adapting to economic uncertainty.