In a job market marked by rapid change, many HR functions are still reacting to change rather than preparing for it—leaving gaps in workforce planning, hiring success, and skills development, according to McKinsey research from Julian Kirchherr, Vincent Bérubé, and coauthors. For individuals, that means opportunity for those ready to act. By building future-facing skills, seeking feedback, and being strategic about career moves, you can position yourself to advance, pivot, or land a new role even as organizations adapt to shifting needs. Check out these insights to stay ahead of shifting workforce trends, sharpen your competitive edge, and take charge of your career trajectory.
What the labor market isn’t telling you—yet
Help wanted: Charting the challenge of tight labor markets in advanced economies
Human capital at work: The value of experience
To climb to the top, women should focus on skill building
Author Talks: The ‘right kind’ of sponsorship could advance your career
What employees say matters most to motivate performance
MORE FROM MCKINSEY
If you want to grow in your career (and lifetime earnings), you need to focus on doing this