Career Growth Overtakes Remote Work as Top Priority
Bath (UK), September 2025 - A new Insights Media report finds that most employees now value career development and employability more than traditional perks like remote work.
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.
