ACROSS Ipswich, workers are rethinking what a good job really looks like – and the message is clear: flexibility and pay matter, but progress matters more.
New national research reveals a growing focus on development and recognition, with one in five Australian workers saying limited career pathways are their biggest barrier to getting ahead.
Rather than signalling dissatisfaction alone, the trend highlights a workforce eager to learn, grow and contribute more.
“You can only re-stack so many pallets before you start thinking about the next step,” said Bundamba warehouse worker Tobias McGillin, who recently chose to explore new opportunities.
“I wanted to build skills and see where they could take me.”
The latest People at Work 2025 report, drawing on insights from nearly 38,000 workers across 34 countries, found Australians are increasingly prioritising meaningful progression.
While flexibility remains a strong retention factor – cited by 38 per cent of workers – many are now pairing that expectation with a desire for visible career pathways, training and advancement.
Globally, the appetite for growth is even stronger, with 45 per cent of workers identifying career advancement as their top motivator and 36 per cent highlighting professional training.
The findings suggest Australian workplaces have an opportunity to further unlock potential by investing in development and leadership pathways.
On seek.com this week there were 16,540 jobs advertised throughout the Ipswich region, with clear lead industries being Trades and Services (15,295), Healthcare and Medical (13,537) and Community Services and Development (6080).
For Ipswich CBD administrative worker Carina Leeland, the research reflects conversations already happening on the ground.
“People want to stay and grow where they are,” she said.
“When your workplace shows what progression looks like and follow through, it makes a huge difference.”
The report also points to strong ambition among experienced workers, with more than one in five Australians over 40 saying clearer pathways would help them progress further.
Many are actively exploring upskilling or new roles, not out of dissatisfaction, but from a desire to keep learning and being promoted internally.
ADP Australia and New Zealand general manager Kylie Baullo said the findings present a positive challenge for employers.
“Flexibility is now a baseline expectation,” she said.
As Ipswich continues to expand, the message from its workforce is an encouraging one: given the right opportunities, people are ready – and excited – to grow.
