What Workers Want
Careers are shifting in this new world of work and as a result, many are struggling. What does it take to be successful? What holds us back from reaching our goals?
Read the first report that takes the pulse of what the U.S. workforce wants and needs for their career, as well as drivers of success.
29%
of U.S. workers consider themselves to be successful
52%
of U.S. workers agree that their professional ambition isn’t tied to being a part of a company
62%
of U.S. workers agree that work and career are integrated in their personal life
The 6 Faces of the American Workforce
A segmentation analysis of the State and Work Career Success study uncovered 6 prevailing worker archetypes prevalent in the American workforce today. Learn more about each to help you bridge the employee experience gap between what workers want and what they feel they’re getting.
So what does it mean?
The future of work is human-centric vs. tech-centric. To understand what makes companies thrive now and into the future, we need to dive into what it takes for people to be successful in their lives, personally and professionally.
Because when workers feel successful with the progress they are making in their career, those small wins lead to big wins for organizations and in their life.
The Benefits
It has to be a mutual value exchange:
Hidden Figures
Workers' stated career goals don’t always align to the goals that will have the greatest impact on our career success. Our research showed that the 3 goals that were ranked as most important by workers don’t fully align to the 3 goals that will make the most impact.
Stated Importance of Goal
1. Earning a Steady Income
3. Working in a field you are passionate about
2. Doing Meaningful Work
vs.
Strength of Relationship to Career Success
1. Always having interesting work
2. Being Promoted to the position you desire
3. Doing meaningful work
Workers want more than just money in their career.
This reflects a mindset shift in the workforce where purpose, passion, AND pay are the focus of today’s worker — not just money.
Learn more about workers’ shifting attitudes towards work and career
of U.S. workers have a top career goal of earning a steady income
39%
28%
have a top priority of doing work that is meaningful
25%
prioritize being in a field where they can channel their passion
How are today’s workers feeling about where they are?
Less than half of them are satisfied and don’t feel they are where they want to be.
Fewer than half of workers are satisfied with their career progress, current position, or compensation.
are likely to stay at their current job.
45%
Additional Reports
Life Goals: Exploring The Great Realization In Depth
In collaboration with MBO Partners, this report examines how people are rethinking how work fits into their broader life goals post-pandemic.
What Workers Want 2022: Diving Deeper into Career Success
Workers are struggling to make progress in their career, but why?
State of Work & Career Success 2021
How is a career defined now among workers?
