INTRODUCTION

Today’s workers are hungry for growth and development. They 
want to build new skills, deepen their expertise and find meaning 
in their work.

Yet, despite this ambition, many lack the clear support and guidance needed to turn these goals into reality. Without a reliable roadmap or trusted partners to help navigate their career journeys, employees are relying on self-direction and chance opportunities rather than intentional development. 

Part 2 of the State of Careers focuses on this growing disconnect. While many employees are charting their own paths, leaders are navigating rapid change and relying on methods that, despite their best intentions, fall short of providing the ongoing, forward-looking guidance that today’s talent needs. 

Adapting to the future of career development means rethinking how your organisation supports your people. It’s time to close the gap between employee expectations and leader intentions. This report will give you the data and insights to seize this opportunity and lead the change.

Career planning is broken— and most  employees know it

Left to their own devices, today’s talent is largely self-directed. Employees are shaping their own career paths by following their interests (32%), 
learning new skills independently (29%), taking risks (27%) and figuring things out through trial and error (19%). This drive reflects a strong desire 
to grow and adapt in a workplace transformed by AI and ongoing change. Yet only 1 in 5 say their manager actively supports them in mapping a 
career path, and just 15% see clear guidance from their organisation. 

Without proactive leadership and alignment, this do-it-yourself approach creates a gap between employee development and organisational needs. 
AI is rapidly redefining roles and, as a result, business priorities are evolving. This employee - organisation misalignment undermines workforce effectiveness, widens skill gaps and hampers the organisation’s ability to stay competitive.

Companies looking to experience higher productivity and readiness for change must intentionally connect talent growth and focused development with their strategic goals.

Career DIY: when employees are 
left to build alone  

Right Management helps develop, retain and optimise the workforce for the future

A human-centred approach to career and talent management

Employees are more empowered, reframing their work lives beyond jobs to careers. These personal growth journeys combine sustainable employment, purpose, and impact to achieve individual potential.

With a global footprint spanning over 75 countries and deep local expertise, we empower individuals to thrive and organisations to grow.