An international study by LHH, a talent solutions provider that is part of The Adecco Group, has released its initial findings of the Readiness Index that sought to uncover factors that influence workers’ attitudes about their readiness for the future of work. Participants across age groups and demographics were tested using implicit response tests and explicit questionnaires to paint a holistic understanding of the processes that influence readiness for job transitions, taking on leadership roles and more. Overall, the global readiness score was high (7.7 out of 10) though there were certain demographics that differed.
Notably, women remain less confident in their career trajectories despite 84% feeling they have the skills needed to advance. The study’s findings revealed that women are more anxious about their next career move than men. At the same time, men were more prone to feel like they can grow their careers than women despite women reporting that they felt like they had more opportunities to use their skills and learn in their current roles.
The most vulnerable and least ready group was Gen-Z in part due to a lack of in-person workplace connections, training opportunities and work-life balance. Gen-Z were not only the most anxious and easily influenced by their peers, but they also lacked confidence in their skills and roles in the workplace. Over half of the Gen-Z demographic reported that they were anxious to take their career to the next level whilst a third reported that they were unable to tap into their existing skillsets and did not get along well with their colleagues.
The Index also noted that over a third of respondents identified as ‘technophobes’ and expressed concern whether their skills were capable of being relevant in a world dominated by technology. Respondents aged between 45 – 54 were found to be working 40% harder than their peers to keep up with tech developments.
LHH President, Gaelle de la Fosee commented, “The world has gone through unprecedented change and we understand that people feel differently about work and what the future holds. For some, rapid change is exciting. For others, it creates anxiety. To be effective in what we do as a business, we need to intimately understand how people truly feel about the future of work and their careers. The Readiness Index has provided us with critical insights on how people feel about the future and the factors that are driving personal readiness in the world of work and how we more effectively meet their needs."
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
