Twenty-twenty-five is set to see seismic change in the workforce, if the findings of a new report are anything to go by.
According to the Global Talent Barometer from Manpower Group, 35 percent of workers are considering a job switch this year.
The report, which surveyed more than 12,000 workers across 16 countries, found that for younger workers (aged 18-27) that number is even higher at 47 percent.
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And perhaps surprisingly, 41 percent of remote workers report themselves likely to change jobs, despite reporting higher wellbeing and work-life balance.
So whatever age bracket or working model you fall into, know that if you’re feeling stuck, you’re not alone.
Ups and downs
The inaugural talent barometer measures worker wellbeing, job satisfaction and confidence around the world, and it recorded many highs and lows.
Though globally, 80 percent believe their work has meaning and purpose, and this rises to 82 percent for U.S. respondents, the report also found that nearly half of workers (49 percent) experience daily stress.
A further third (34 percent) say they lack opportunities to achieve their career goals with their current employer.
At an almost direct match to the job seeking figure, it becomes clearer why so many are reevaluating their professional paths. If this is you, look for job specs that emphasize training, mentorship, and clear advancement paths.
Lack of career development is a sizable issue. Some 59 percent of workers say they have not received any skills training in the past six months, and only 39 percent have a mentor or coach for their current roles.
However, in the U.S. specifically, there is a more optimistic mood. Some 76 percent of respondents say they had values alignment with their organization, 70 percent have work-life balance, and at 68 percent the American wellbeing index is above the global average of 64 percent.
Also, some 42 percent of Americans said they experienced minimal daily stress, close to the global average of 41 percent.
Sector spotlight and working models
Contradictions continue as the report drills down into industry-specific wellbeing.
Unsurprisingly, healthcare and life sciences employees find the most meaning in their work (87 percent). And though IT workers report the highest daily stress levels, they also report the highest work-life balance (74 percent). Other high scoring work-life balance industries are financials and real estate (73 percent).
The barometer also looked at the connections between job roles, working models, and overall wellbeing.
Fully or mostly remote and hybrid workers (both 72 percent) report the highest levels of work-life balance, compared to mostly onsite (68 percent), onsite by choice (62 percent), and onsite without choice trailing in at 57 percent.
Workers who report feeling the highest levels of daily stress are middle managers (61 percent), but this was followed closely by essential front-line workers (60 percent), then “white collar” workers and executives or senior employees, which are all 59 percent. Of those dubbed “blue collar” workers, 47 percent reported minimal daily stress.
Executive and senior workers reported the highest satisfaction with values alignment and work-life balance
Taking control
If you’re intent on meaningful change this year, start by evaluating your priorities. Is career growth the most important thing to you? Or at this life stage, is it work-life balance? Perhaps you’re looking for more meaning so a mission-driven organization or healthcare setting might be where you land next?
Whatever direction you go in, most employers value candidates who are proactive about their development, so if you’re part of the 59 percent of workers who have not received training in the last six months, take matters into your own hands. Seek out training opportunities or certifications that will strengthen your offering.
And if you’re ready to start looking, The Hill’s Job Board is the perfect place to start. Here you’ll find new roles updated daily across all industries and levels.
Whether you’re looking for the next step on the ladder or a complete career pivot, you can browse thousands of openings on The Hill Job Board