German women prioritize stability and flexibility over higher salaries in 2026

A new study has revealed shifting priorities among women in the German workforce. Conducted by Forsa for Xing, the research shows that fewer women are now open to changing jobs, dropping to 32% in 2026. Instead of chasing higher salaries, many are focusing on stability, flexibility, and better leadership in their careers.

The survey highlights three key reasons why women consider leaving their current roles: low pay, poor relationships with managers, and high stress levels. These factors push 37% of those willing to switch jobs to look elsewhere. Additionally, 36% cite excessive workload as a major concern.

Flexibility and security have become top priorities when evaluating new employers. A significant 69% of women would choose better work-life balance over a pay rise. Meanwhile, 43% would reject a higher-paying job if the company's leadership culture seemed weak. Career growth is also playing a bigger role in decisions. This year, 33% of women pointed to limited advancement opportunities as a reason to leave—up from previous years. The findings suggest that employers need to address not just pay, but also workload, management quality, and development prospects to retain female talent.

The study underscores a clear trend: women in Germany are placing greater value on job security, flexible conditions, and strong leadership. With fewer now actively seeking new roles, companies may need to adapt their policies to meet these evolving expectations. The data also reveals that poor management and stagnant career paths are driving more women to reconsider their current positions.