A new report has indicated that 58% of Australian employees don't believe employers have groomed them for future success, by providing additional skills training and career development opportunities.

Additionally, when employees were asked to rate their boss, the average score was just 6.5 out of 10, according to the latest Kelly Global Workforce Index which surveyed more than 4,000 people in Australia.

Slightly over half of respondents were willing to recommend their current employer, and Karen Colfer, managing director, Kelly Services Australia, said this was an alarming statistic because "employees' views of an organisation carry a lot of credibility and send a clear signal about how people are managed and the best places to work".

"[The opinions of] employees have a significant impact on the ability of a business to attract and retain talent," Colfer added.

Key results of the survey included:

  • The most important quality in a good boss is communication style, according to by 28% of respondents, ahead of leadership style at 23%, and vision and clear direction at 20%.
  • 39% of respondents described their organisation's leadership culture as either "empowering" or "inclusive". 34% described it as "authoritative" or "oppressive".
  • 48% said their efforts at work wererecognised and rewarded.
  • Among those respondents who said they feel rewarded and recognised for their work, 69% said this takes the form of being "noticed by management", while 15% said they receive bonuses or incentives, and 12% are acknowledged through formal programs.

Colfer commented that employers are under intense scrutiny from a range of stakeholders, and employees are increasingly making judgments about their effectiveness, and how they rate as a desirable place to work.

"Employers need to be aware of this scrutiny and ensure that career development is a priority and that hard work does not go unnoticed," she added.