80% of HR leaders confident about career pathways, data finds

Eight in 10 HR leaders said their organisation creates visible career pathways effectively, compared with 64% of wider management, research from INTOO UK & Ireland found.

The Future World of Work report 2026 found 32% of HR leaders said the organisation held primary responsibility, while managers were most likely to say responsibility rested with the individual.

Owen Morgan (pictured), managing director at INTOO, said: “Our Future World of Work report provides an important nation-wide temperature check on the heart of UK working life every year. 

“In our latest report, a large proportion of respondents feel their business is providing visible career pathways, however there is a considerable mismatch between what HR leaders and broader management think. 

“Leaders are far more positive and optimistic about how the organisation is deploying and instilling career development plans (CDPs) whereas broader management are more sceptical.”

Morgan added: “With the ‘September Exodus’ looming, which is an annual trend of resignations and new starts that takes place around this time of year, now is the time for businesses to be re-aligning their values and focusing on the development of their team.

“September provides a time for reflection following the summer months – salary concerns, missed opportunity for career growth or promotion, feeling ‘in a rut’ or simply unrealised ambition. 

“As normal life resumes for many following the ‘back to school’ period, it is unsurprising that September can sometimes see a slew of resignations with workers looking for a fresh challenge or a new start.”