Ambition is no longer viewed in its traditional sense, according to a report released by Randstad nv. Workers consider themselves ambitious, but nearly half aren’t focused on career progression, according to a survey by the staffing giant.
The research found 56% of workers globally consider themselves to be ambitious, with the percentage rising to 69% for Gen Z. However, 47% are not focused on career progression with the same percentage willing to stay in a role they like, even if there’s no room to progress or develop. On top of that, 34% never want to take on any managerial roles.
Workers are more likely to consider other things as more important than career ambition. What is more important? Work-life balance was cited as important by 93%, flexibility of working hours was cited by 81% and mental health support was cited by 83%. In comparison, 70% cited career ambition.
“A new talent ABC is emerging and employers should adopt it if they want to attract and retain their best talent,” Randstad CEO Sander van ‘t Noordende said in a press release. “Ambition, balance and connection are key to driving the agenda in a talent scarce world of work.”
Workers’ ambitions, motivations and priorities are becoming more fragmented, Van ‘t Noordende said.
“It’s crucial that employers communicate regularly with talent about their wants and needs — whether that be flexible work, career aspirations or learning and development opportunities,” he said.
Randstad’s survey included 27,000 workers in 34 markets across the Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe.
Other findings in the report:
- Training and development opportunities are important, with 29% saying they would quit a job if they weren’t offered such opportunities.
- More than a third, 38%, say they wouldn’t accept a job if they didn’t agree with the viewpoints of leadership.
- Regarding diversity, 37% would not accept a job if an organization wasn’t making a proactive effort to improve its diversity and equity.
- The ability to work from home is nonnegotiable for 38% of workers. In addition, 37% would quit their job if their employer asked them to spend more time in the office. Still, 35% have been requested to come into the office now more than they were six months ago.