As AI innovations prompt worries about job security, 44% of employed Americans are considering a career change, according to new research from McKinsey and Company. This desire for change spans across age groups, genders, educational levels, and income brackets.
Financial improvement is the primary motivator — 68% of those willing to switch occupations cite a desire for more pay or hours, followed by better career advancement opportunities (35%).
The problem? Nearly half (45%) of workers willing to change careers have hit a roadblock — they lack the skills, credentials, or education necessary, leading to a growing interest in upskilling.
But upskilling has its own challenges. Nearly half of respondents interested in upskilling cite time and cost commitments as their main barriers:
- Time constraints are particularly challenging for more experienced, higher-income workers between the ages of 35 and 64.
- Cost-related barriers include access to financial support and opportunity costs of lost wages.
- Transportation access is a significant challenge for younger workers (14%), lower-income earners (13%), and Black respondents (11%).
- Mental health obstacles affect 10% of all respondents, with younger workers being nearly twice as likely to cite this issue.
How staffing agencies can support skills development
- Become upskilling facilitators: Position your agency as a bridge between workers seeking skills and employers needing talent. More than a third (35%) of respondents seeking to upskill look to private companies for support.
- Target high-potential demographics: Focus recruitment efforts on the demographics most motivated to upskill, including younger workers and historically underrepresented groups.
- Address time and cost barriers: Develop flexible training programs, possibly in partnership with employers, that allow workers to earn while they learn.
- Tailor learning approaches: Customize upskilling methods based on worker preferences. Older workers (55-64) prefer online platforms for certifications, while younger workers are more open to learning via social media.
- Match upskilling type to career goals: Align training methods with desired occupations. McKinsey found that business / finance candidates typically seek certifications, while management candidates have more varied upskilling interests.
Staffing agencies that excel at facilitating upskilling will gain a unique advantage as AI transforms workplaces and redefines career paths. By mastering upskilling, these agencies will not only fill open roles but also tap into an exclusive talent pool unavailable to competitors.
