70 Per Cent Employees Expect 21 Per Cent-Plus Hike To Switch Jobs: Report

As companies wrap up their annual appraisal cycles, a gap is emerging between the salary hikes employees receive and what they expect for career growth. While most appraisals have resulted in single-digit increments, many professionals are looking at job changes in search of substantially higher pay.

Most Common Increment At 6-10 Per Cent

According to the Appraisal Trends Report 2026 by foundit, 19 per cent received a 6-10 per cent increment, making it the most common increase. Another 15 per cent received a 1-5 per cent hike, while 12 per cent got an 11-15 per cent increase. A further 7 per cent received a 16-20 per cent increment, and 12 per cent received more than 20 per cent.

The report has also found that 8 per cent had completed their appraisal but received no salary increment. Another 28 per cent had not received an appraisal when the survey was conducted.

Employees Expect Bigger Hikes To Move

The gap between appraisal increments and salary expectations becomes more pronounced when employees consider switching jobs.

According to the report, around 27 per cent of respondents have stated that they would expect a 21-30 per cent salary increase to move jobs, while 23 per cent expected a 31-40 per cent hike. Another 20 per cent have said that they would seek more than a 40 per cent increase.

Taken together, as much as 70 per cent had expected at least a 21 per cent salary jump if they switched jobs.

"Better pay available elsewhere" was the most commonly cited reason for considering a job change, at 23 per cent. This was followed by the absence of a promotion or visible growth path at 20 per cent, while 17 per cent cited an increment lower than expected.

Pay And Career Growth Drive Mobility

The report has found that factors related to compensation and career development were both significant in employees' decisions to consider moving.

While 23 per cent identified better pay elsewhere as their main reason, 20 per cent pointed to the lack of a promotion or visible growth path, and 16 per cent said they did not have enough opportunities to learn or grow. Work culture or management issues were cited by 14 per cent.

The report has also pointed out that 52 per cent of respondents were actively looking for another job, while 34 per cent were open to the right opportunity. Another 11 per cent said they were not currently looking but would switch for the right offer. Only 4 per cent said they were not planning to move.