According to research published today by career management firm, Fairplace, found staff are not being supported by their employer to plan ahead in their careers which could result in damage to businesses' productivity and individual's career resilience.
It also found that 16% of workers feel their job fits in with their long-term career plan and only 11% feel they have the opportunity for long-term development with their organisation.
The research carried out by YouGov on behalf of Fairplace, revealed that only 13% of those who had discussed their career with their manager found the experience very helpful.
A quarter of British employees (26%) said they wouldn't want to talk to their manager about their longer-term career development, with this figure increasing to 41% among 18-24 year olds.
Fairplace claims the research indicates employers are failing to create a culture in which staff can have open and honest discussions about their ambitions. It claims the result is a directionless workforce simply 'going through the motions' rather than being engaged and motivated.
Penny de Valk, CEO of Fairplace, said: "As the notion of a job for life fades, businesses need to get better at demonstrating how organisational goals complement employees 'individual aims'.
"Employers who fail to provide this and leave their staff to drift without a clear career plan risk a dip in engagement levels, a loss of discretionary effort, and a struggle in developing and retaining talent."
The online survey of 2027 UK employees was carried out in October 2012 by YouGov.
