(Yicai) Jan. 14 -- China's employee turnover rate declined for the third consecutive year in 2025, influenced by the macroeconomic environment, industrial restructuring, and changing employment attitudes.

The employee turnover rate was 14.8 percent in China last year, compared with 15.3 percent in 2024 and 16.6 percent in 2023, according to a report released by leading Chinese human resources service provider 51job yesterday.

Many companies continued to cut costs and enhance efficiency last year, controlling labor costs and scaling down recruitment efforts, which led to fewer external job opportunities, 51job noted.

Employees generally perceive increased risks and opportunity costs associated with job-hopping, making them more inclined to hold their current positions, which reduced voluntary resignations and consolidated the 'stability-first' approach, 51job added.

By industry, the three sectors with the highest employee turnover rates in 2025 were the food, hospitality, and tourism industry at 16.5 percent, the manufacturing industry at 15.7 percent, and the real estate industry at 15.4 percent, according to the report.

Last year, China's manufacturing sector faced pressure from carbon neutrality goals and digital transformation, with many factories optimizing production lines, which led to adjustments in front-line worker positions. As intelligent manufacturing transformation progresses, companies have strengthened intentions to retain skilled workers, though attrition rates for basic assembly line positions remain the industry's primary pain point.

The transportation and logistics industry posted a turnover rate of 14.3 percent last year, down from 15.4 percent the year before, marking the largest decline among industries. As logistics systems matured and flexible employment models thrived, the sector built a more stable employment ecosystem, per the report.

Employee turnover rates in all Chinese cities declined to varying degrees in 2025, with the gap between first-tier cities -- Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenzhen -- and new first-tier cities, including Chengdu and Hangzhou, further narrowing.

New first-tier cities have achieved a balance between compensation, industrial foundation, and quality of life, with talent no longer only flowing toward first-tier cities, according to analysts. Young people increasingly prioritize work-life balance and career sustainability, driving regional equilibrium in talent mobility.

Editor: Futura Costaglione