Middle-Age Employees Face Career Growth Challenges, Report Finds

A recent report from Perceptyx suggests that there is a lack of career opportunities for middle-age employees, according to Automotive Dive.

The May 7 report examined what the factors are in retaining and engaging employees. Four out of the top five drivers of an employee’s intention to stay were directly related to career growth, with employees who plan to stay being three times more likely to believe they can achieve their career goals, and more than twice as likely to see a clear path forward.

However, this confidence in career opportunities decreases with each passing generation, through baby boomers. Training satisfaction peaked with Gen Z, suggesting that there is a gap in opportunities for those older.

Lisa Sterling, chief people officer at Perceptyx, also added that the uptick in AI tools may prompt concern from middle-aged and mid-level employees. According to a report earlier this year, nearly half of employees surveyed by TalentLMS felt AI was advancing faster than their organization could prepare anyone for.

“Career trajectories become much more unpredictable and obscure at middle age,” added Sterling. “These workers— many of whom are managers with a significant scope of influence—have valuable skills and experience, but are left wondering what success looks like in this next stage of life.”