Workers worldwide report record confidence levels in their abilities but growing dissatisfaction with their employers, creating a widening gap that threatens retention across industries, according to new research from ManpowerGroup.
The Global Talent Barometer 2025 found that 89 per cent of workers feel confident in their skills and experience, yet only 62 per cent report satisfaction in their current roles. One-third say they lack sufficient opportunities to achieve their career goals with their present employer.
The survey of more than 13,700 workers across 19 countries (including Canada) reveals a workforce that is rapidly developing new skills, including in artificial intelligence, while many employers struggle to keep pace with employee ambitions.
“The advance of AI means every company is transforming to survive and thrive. But digital transformation is as much about people as it is about technology,” said Becky Frankiewicz, president and chief strategy officer at ManpowerGroup. “The future of work isn’t about control, it’s about partnership. When companies invest in people, people invest back. And right now, people want more; more balance, more flexibility, more humanity, and importantly – more development.”
Workplace stress rises despite meaningful work
The research shows 82 per cent of workers find their jobs meaningful, up two percentage points from 2024. However, job security dropped to 65 per cent from 71 per cent, with only 65 per cent feeling secure about their employment over the next six months.
Nearly half of all workers report moderate to high daily stress, with middle managers experiencing the highest levels at 82 per cent, followed by Generation Z workers at 56 per cent.
The disconnect between AI adoption and worker expectations compounds the problem. Separate ManpowerGroup research found 81 per cent of technology leaders say their companies remain in testing or pilot phases of AI implementation, with only 10 per cent fully integrating AI across operations.
Middle management bears heaviest burden
Middle managers face pressure from multiple directions as they navigate organizational uncertainty while supporting their teams. About 34 per cent fear job loss within six months due to restructuring or AI disruption, while 77 per cent cite economic instability, restructuring and AI as their top career concerns.
Millennials experienced the steepest satisfaction decline, dropping 11 percentage points year-over-year, with women in this demographic reporting the lowest satisfaction levels overall.
The data reveals a paradox in workplace flexibility: employees required to work fully on-site with no flexibility are less likely to leave their jobs at 63 per cent compared to remote workers at 43 per cent. However, on-site employees report lower well-being scores and higher stress levels, suggesting they feel trapped in unfulfilling roles while remote workers use their flexibility to seek better opportunities.
Development investment drives retention
Companies that invest in career development see measurable returns in employee confidence and satisfaction. Workers with development opportunities report 77 per cent confidence, up four percentage points from 2024, while those with clear advancement paths show 62 per cent satisfaction, up five points.
Despite these benefits, many employers struggle to provide the AI literacy training workers now expect. Only about one-third of employers recognize that AI cannot replace human-centered skills such as ethical judgment, customer service and team management.
Financial impact of turnover
The confidence-satisfaction divide carries significant financial consequences. Employee turnover now costs an average of $18,591 per person, with only 55 per cent of workers both satisfied and unlikely to leave voluntarily.
The research suggests companies that fail to invest in employee development risk losing talent to competitors who better align with worker expectations for growth, flexibility and support.
The Global Talent Barometer surveyed workers from March 14 to April 11, 2025, across Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
