ManpowerGroup has released the Global Talent Barometer, a robust tool offering unparalleled insights into workforce sentiment across 16 countries. The overall score of 67% was derived from three key indices: well-being (64%), job satisfaction (63%), and confidence (74%). The Global Talent Barometer, which gathered data from over 12,000 workers between April and May 2024, reveals a complex landscape of employee well-being, job satisfaction, and confidence in the rapidly evolving world of work.
“The employee-employer relationship is at a crossroads. People expect work to offer them more. More balance. More options. More humanity. More than just a paycheck,” says Becky Frankiewicz, chief commercial officer at ManpowerGroup. “While 80% of workers find meaning in their roles, our data shows that purpose alone isn’t enough to retain talent. Employees are voting with their feet, seeking workplaces that deliver on multiple fronts—from mental health support and work-life balance to career development and skills training. Organizations that can create these comprehensive, people-first environments will not only etain top talent but drive innovation in today’s dynamic marketplace.”
Key findings from the report include the following.
- Nearly half (49%) of all employees grapple with daily stress, highlighting a critical well-being challenge for employers.
- People experiencing less daily stress are twice as likely to remain in their current roles, emphasizing the importance of stress management in talent retention strategies.
- Company culture alignment is strong, with 71% of employees feeling connected to their organization’s vision and values, yet there’s room for improvement in work-life balance, as only 65% feel fully supported in this area.
- A significant retention risk looms, with 35% of all workers and 47% of young professionals are considering a job change within six months, despite 63% expressing job satisfaction.
- Job security sentiment is relatively high at 71%, but trust in management for career development lags at 63%, indicating a potential disconnect between employees and leadership.
- Despite reporting higher well-being and work-life balance, 41% of remote workers are considering job changes, challenging conventional wisdom about remote work satisfaction.
- People overwhelmingly feel capable in their roles, with 87% expressing confidence in their skills. However, a third (34%) see a ceiling in their current workplace, citing insufficient opportunities for career goal achievement.
- Though 73% believe their organization offers chances to gain new skills, 59% of workers say they’ve received no skills training in the past six months and only 57% see clear paths for promotion or internal mobility, suggesting a gap between skill development and career advancement.
- Two out of every five Gen X women (42%) feel they lack opportunities to reach their career goals at their current organization.
