A growing number of professionals in the U.S. believe their full potential is being overlooked on the job. According to LinkedIn’s latest Workforce Confidence survey, 58% of workers say their skills aren’t being fully tapped in their current roles.
The feeling of underutilization is particularly pronounced in certain sectors. Workers in administrative and support services top the list, with 65% saying their capabilities are being overlooked. Close behind are employees in retail (63%) and transportation (62%). Education, oil, gas, and mining industries also show high rates of dissatisfaction, each with 60% of professionals feeling underused.
Despite the clear disconnect between skillsets and job demands, many workers aren’t sure how to move forward. The survey reveals that retail and transportation professionals, in particular, report uncertainty about which skills they need to grow in their careers — suggesting that awareness and access to upskilling may be a key part of the solution.
