Addressing the Knowledge and Skill Anxiety of Mid-Career Employees in the Workplace

Mid-Career Employees Face Significant Challenges in the Workplace

In October, ALL DIFFERENT Co., Ltd., a Tokyo-based organization dedicated to supporting organizational development and workforce training, conducted a survey among 800 mid-career employees. This research sheds light on the barriers these employees face, particularly focusing on their feelings of anxiety regarding their knowledge and skills.

Background of the Study

Mid-career professionals play a crucial role in an organization, serving as vital links between junior employees and management. They are expected to mentor younger team members while simultaneously bridging communication gaps between management and new hires. However, recent statistics from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications indicate a worrying trend: the proportion of workers in their 30s has been steadily decreasing since 2007, leading to concerns about a talent shortage.

Despite the increasing expectations placed on mid-career employees, support for their development is often lacking. They face challenges that are rarely addressed directly, which makes this demographic particularly vulnerable to feelings of inadequacy.

This survey primarily focused on understanding the