New LHH research based on the responses of over 1,400 working professionals at the start of their career in the UK (those who have been in their roles for up to four years), highlights what are the career aspirations of this important group within many organisation’s workforce, and are they getting what they need from their employer to achieve their career goals and make them want to stay with their current employer. 

Key findings:

• Early careers are staying but not necessarily for the right reasons: Only 12% say that they are planning to exit the organisation within the next 12 months. But 21% state that the reason they are staying is lack of opportunities elsewhere and a further 13% say they are staying because of uncertainty about changing roles
• Early careers want career development:  38% say that career growth opportunities is a key reason for staying but 28% say they have had no career support in the last 12 months. 

What can employers do?
 

• Invest in your early career professionals: 32% of early careers say that employers that have clear career pathways demonstrate positive intent and 82% of responders would be more likely to stay with their employer if they have access to career development support. 
• Line managers are key: Line managers need to be actively involved in their team's career development (44% want to talk to their manager) and create an environment where team members feel comfortable to be able to talk about their career (10%).