In 2025, the Spanish labor market faced a phenomenon that experts have already dubbed the ‘Great Resignation.’ Never before in the country’s history has there been such a wave of voluntary departures from jobs. Far from signaling a crisis, this trend points to fundamental changes in workers’ mindsets and the structure of employment. People are no longer clinging to stability at any cost and are actively seeking better opportunities, creating an entirely new dynamic between employees and employers.
Social Security statistics paint a striking picture. In the first nine months of this year alone, nearly 2.35 million people voluntarily left their jobs, including both permanent and temporary contracts. That’s a 6.5% increase compared to the same period last year. June and September were especially notable, with monthly resignations topping 300,000—setting all-time historical records. The magnitude of this trend becomes even clearer when you consider that the total number of people who quit nearly equals the officially registered unemployed in the country, which stands at 2.44 million.
These figures mean that nearly one in ten employees who had a job at the beginning of the year decided to change their workplace by October. Such a level of labor mobility is unprecedented for Spain and reflects a high degree of confidence among people in their ability to quickly find a new, more suitable position. Employees feel in control, setting the terms and choosing from a wide range of offers—fundamentally changing the rules of the game in the labor market.
However, behind this wave of optimism lie many questions that currently have no clear answers. What exactly is driving people? Is this an exodus in search of higher salaries, more flexible hours, and a better work-life balance? Or are we seeing natural staff turnover in high-demand sectors, where specialists simply move from one company to another for better terms? It also remains unclear whether this trend is nationwide or concentrated in the most rapidly developing industries such as IT, tourism, or logistics, while things remain unchanged elsewhere.
For companies, this situation has become a real challenge. Employers are now forced not only to offer competitive salaries but also to seriously rethink corporate culture, working conditions, and opportunities for career growth. Retaining valuable employees is becoming a top priority, requiring flexibility and a willingness to meet staff needs. In the long run, this could lead to a significant improvement in working conditions nationwide, making the Spanish market more attractive and up-to-date.
