NY, UNITED STATES — Most workers say their skills are going unused on the job, a new national survey from Resume Now found, pointing to rising risks for retention and career development. 

The report, published Jan. 30, says 69% of employees report their skills and abilities are not fully used at work. Resume Now also found that 87% of workers describe their daily work as only moderately challenging or less.

Recognition appears to lag behind capability. The report says 65% of employees feel their organization shows limited recognition or alignment with their skills, interests, and passions. Another 62% say their unique strengths are underutilized at least sometimes, even when those strengths are recognized.

The survey also links underutilization to turnover risk. It found 72% would likely look for a new job if they felt consistently underutilized, and 67% would consider leaving their company within a year if underutilization continued.

“Survey results show a clear disconnect between what employees are capable of contributing and what their roles actually demand,” the report said.

The findings of the said study are based on a survey of 1,018 U.S. adults conducted in November 2025. Respondents were 58% female and 41% male, and representation spanned Gen Z, millennials, Gen X, and baby boomers.