Career growth overtakes remote work as top priority for employees in 2025
A new Insights Media report finds that most employees now value career development and employability more than traditional perks like remote work.
A new Insights Media report shows employees in 2025 prioritise career growth and employability over remote work, with implications for L&D.
Employees in 2025 are increasingly focused on growth, skills and employability. The research, which synthesises findings from 27 workplace studies, shows that:
67% of workers would choose employability over remote working (Randstad).
Organisations identified as ‘career development champions’ are 42% more likely to lead in adopting generative AI and more confident in retaining talent (LinkedIn).
68% of workers say manager support for career is a key reason to stay (Randstad).
The definition of flexibility is shifting, with 59% of workers willing to trade higher pay for more control over schedules (Randstad, CIPD).
Wellbeing expectations are rising: only 17% of the global workforce rates their mental wellbeing as ‘mind healthy’, while 60% would accept less pay for lower stress (AXA, Randstad).
AI skilling is now a workforce priority, yet only 31% of organisations are integrating AI into workforce and skills strategies (PwC).
Belonging, values and fairness are becoming critical retention factors, with 79% of Gen Z and Millennials saying belonging matters more than perks or pay (Tech.co).
For learning and development leaders, the report highlights six areas of focus in 2025: career growth, human-centred management, redefined flexibility, wellbeing, AI skills, and values-driven cultures.
What Workers Want in 2025 is published by Insights Media.