A widespread reluctance to embrace change among UK employees is raising concerns about its long-term impact on national productivity, according to new research.
A survey carried out by talent solutions experts Right Management reveals that nearly one in three workers (31%) prefer to remain in their comfort zone rather than adapt to change.
This cautious mindset is more prevalent among women and older employees. Thirty-four percent of women expressed resistance to change compared to 27 percent of men. The gap is also significant across age groups, with 37 percent of over-45s reporting reluctance compared to 24 percent of Gen Z workers.
Out of the comfort zone
There are clear differences between sectors. In the public sector, 38 percent of workers say they fear change, while in the private sector this figure stands at 25 percent. According to Right Management, these findings suggest that inflexibility and a lack of investment in workforce development may be limiting innovation and performance in large parts of the economy.
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Jacques Quinio, Talent Management Solutions Director at Right Management, said, “Staying in your comfort zone may feel secure, but it’s quietly eroding productivity across the country. If the UK wants to close the productivity gap, it must start by enabling people to grow, adapt and contribute in new ways.”
The findings come amid broader economic concerns, including downgraded UK growth forecasts by the International Monetary Fund, stagnation in the labour market and rising long-term sickness rates. Despite growing demand for agility, coaching and upskilling, employer support remains inconsistent.
Low investment in employee development
Less than half of organisations (47%) provide coaching to help employees adapt to new challenges. Only 43 percent offer access to professional assessments designed to guide career growth and identify strengths. Ten percent of employers surveyed offer no development support at all.
The report also shows that 57 percent of workers feel their performance is valued more than their potential. Meanwhile, only 33 percent of employers actively use workforce data to inform people investment decisions, while 42 percent say they see such data as non-essential.
According to Quinio, treating workforce development as an afterthought is a missed opportunity.
“If we want future-ready organisations and a more productive economy, we need to start treating talent development as a growth lever, not a cost. Empowering employees to embrace change – with the right tools, data and support – isn’t just good for morale. It has ripple effects beyond the walls of their company and positive impacts on the broader UK economy.”
