DHX’s Dice Report Reveals Job Market in Defensive Mode as 74% of Tech Pros Plan Job Switches

Stability, Not Optimism: The Big Driver for 2026 Tech Moves

DHX’s Dice just released a report that offers a clear window into the worries shaping America's tech talent. The key finding? A striking 74% of tech professionals plan to change employers in the next year—yet only 41% feel confident about landing something better. This isn’t about chasing opportunity; it’s about seeking stability in a cooling job market.

Burnout is accelerating. Nearly 50% more tech professionals now report severe burnout (up from 31% to 46%). For those feeling “very burned out,” the urge to jump ship is even higher, with 70% of that group actively job searching. Meanwhile, job stability climbed from the fourth to the second most important driver for considering a move, overtaking advancement opportunities and leaving compensation as a constant concern.

Tech Market Tightens: Postings Dip, Worker Power Ebbs

The sentiment from the survey is matched by objective labor market data: Tech job postings currently stand at only 575,000—a drop below even pre-pandemic 2019 levels, and less than half the Q2 2022 peak of 1.3 million. No wonder 88% of tech workers believe employers now have the upper hand in negotiations.

AI Anxiety and Governance Gaps Are New Retention Flashpoints

AI is now central to tech work: Daily AI use has quadrupled, and 35% of tech pros are directly involved in AI development or implementation. Yet, only 47% say their employer has formal AI policies. Among those engaged in AI, 60% are confident their company uses AI responsibly—while that figure drops to 41% among other tech workers. This gap in governance and communication is more than procedural—it’s emerging as a key factor in whether valuable employees stay or leave.

Risky behaviors are up, too: 25% of tech professionals have used AI tools at work without management’s consent. The lack of clear guidelines not only heightens company risk but also increases flight risk—workers confident in their employer’s AI discipline are much less likely to seek new jobs.

Diverse Segments Show Higher Flight Risk—Gen Z Less Likely to Leave

Who is most at risk of leaving? Women, Black professionals, mid-career workers, Gen X, and employees at smaller tech firms all report greater burnout and job insecurity. Gen Z, meanwhile, shows surprisingly low interest in jumping ship, despite being earlier in their careers—hinting at a new generational dynamic in tech’s risk landscape.

Survey Reveals a Workforce Shaped by Defensive Decisions—What Should Employers Do?

The bottom line: Stability and clear AI governance are now baseline expectations for tech talent. Employers able to communicate transparency, financial health, and thoughtful policies gain an edge in the fight for in-demand skills. For staffing firms and hiring managers, understanding candidates’ mindset—defensive, anxious, and primed for stability—will shape sourcing and retention strategies for 2026 and beyond.

Survey conducted by Dice in November-December 2025, with 1,159 U.S. tech professional respondents. For full report and data breakdowns, visit DHX’s official site.

DHX Market Snapshot as of 11:18 AM

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