While millennials and Gen X workers are optimistic about their career growth, a new report shows nearly 9 in 10 (88 per cent) of Gen Z workers had to reconsider their career paths due to uncertainty in the last three years.

The Pearson Skills Outlook report, themed ‘Employee View’, showcases a change in the workforce's mindset towards upskilling, as they seek ongoing learning and development to remain relevant and appealing to employers. The survey revealed that 75 per cent of Indian respondents reported their employers providing skilling as a benefit, and of those workers offered this benefit, over 9 in 10 (92 per cent) seized the opportunity.

The report, which surveyed 4,000 individuals across the US, UK, India, and Brazil to gauge their prioritised career development skills, indicated short courses, employer-sponsored training, and university degrees are seen as the most needed across markets, to move up from current positions.

This was seen to be true, especially in India, with certifications from professional organisations (34 per cent) and from platforms (34 per cent) being the top two types of education felt needed to advance their careers. This suggests that employers offering certifications are also seen as more attractive to the working populace.

Education Future Interest for workers across demographics shows a preference for short courses (80 per cent), language learning programmes (83 per cent), and credentials/badges (75 per cent).

When looking at top human skills of future interest, language skills rank top for Gen Z Indian workers. Improving English is emerging as a key skill for employees to advance in their careers, according to 85 per cent of Indians.

Across all generations in the US, UK, and India, human skills such as decision-making and problem-solving dominate the top skills needed for career advancement and skills currently being developed.

In India, technical skills like AI/ML, data processing, and coding are also priorities across age groups, specifically when considering skills of the future.

Gen Z workers were also less likely to feel optimistic about the state of the job market compared to millennials and more likely to be actively seeking a new job compared to Gen X.

Michael Howells, President, Workforce Skills, Pearson said the success of any modern organisation depends on the success of its workforce. However, there is a persistent skills gap across industries and markets which has a direct impact on productivity, business growth, and innovation.

“With the proliferation of the Internet and emergence of new technologies such as AI/ML and data science, the workforce has to not only learn new technical skills but also human skills, which will make their work more effective. The Skills Outlook Report, clearly brings out the fact that the Indian workers are well aware about their upskilling imperatives and are looking for trustworthy avenues of learning and development,” added Howells.