Philadelphia, PA – March 29, 2010 – Thirty-seven percent of workers never engage in career discussions with their managers, according to a survey of nearly 700 employees by Right Management. Moreover, a further 30% have such a discussion just once a year. Right Management is the talent and career management expert within Manpower, the global leader in employment services.
Right Management surveyed individuals across North America and asked:
“How often do you engage in career discussions with your manager?
· Never 37.34%
· Once a year 30.01%
· Twice a year 17.42%
· Every three months 15.23%
Conversations on careers and development are frequently a low priority, observed Melvin Scales, Senior Vice President of Global Solutions for Right Management. “With so many competing pressures and responsibilities, as well as constant change due to market realities, career management can end up on the back burner for both managers and individuals.”
“While managers might express the importance of employees managing their own careers, the research shows that this concept is unsupported by real action,” said Scales. “Individuals need to take responsibility for managing their own career. Unfortunately, many are not equipped with the information or opportunity to have meaningful career discussions with their managers.”
According to Scales, managers have a key role to play in reaching out to employees. “Career planning can be a great first step in getting employees more broadly engaged. But managers need to be equipped with the tools to discuss career opportunities and create an environment where employees feel valued and want to grow in their roles. If successful, the outcome will be greater job satisfaction, commitment, and even advocacy – all essential for a healthy bottom line.”
So far as individual workers are concerned, Scales offers career management tips:
Right Management conducted an online poll of 683 employees across North America between January 11 and February 8, 2010.
About Right Management
Right Management (www.right.com) is the talent and career management expert within Manpower, the global leader in employment services. Right Management helps clients win in the changing world of work by designing and executing workforce solutions that align talent strategy with business strategy. Our expertise spans Talent Assessment, Leader Development, Organizational Effectiveness, Employee Engagement, and Workforce Transition and Outplacement. With offices in over 50 countries, Right Management partners with companies of all sizes. More than 80% of Fortune 500 companies are currently working with us to help them grow talent, reduce costs and accelerate performance.