Time for a change?

Key findings at a glance

This survey was conducted online among 200 junior and middle managers aged over 25 from the private, public and not-for-profit sectors by an independent professional market researcher. Over two-thirds of those surveyed are in the 25-34 age group. The research builds on Searching for Something: Exploring the career traps and ambitions of young people, a 2004 research report by Common Purpose.

• Over half of young managers feel unfulfilled in their current roles.
• Half of all junior and middle managers are either actively searching for or thinking about a new job.
• Half of young managers want clearer career development plans and a greater input into the decision-making that impacts on their role.
• Nearly all managers receive training, but only a third of young managers, across sectors, find that training rewarding in terms of job fulfilment.
• Training is perceived to enhance career prospects, but over two-thirds of young mangers feel that it falls short of addressing wider aspirations and life goals.
• Over 40% of young managers feel that more access to peer-to-peer learning and external experiences would benefit them.