Global workforce reports highlight generational divides in skills and office presence

Recent reports from ADP and ACCA highlight significant generational divides within the global workforce, particularly regarding skills, financial confidence, and office attendance.

According to the ADP Research People at Work 2026 Report, younger workers (aged 27 to 39) demonstrate the highest levels of skills readiness, with 30% feeling prepared to advance their careers. Conversely, financial confidence tends to decline with age; only 10% of workers aged 55 to 64 report feeling positive about their financial health, compared to 19% of those in the 18 to 39 age brackets.

In the financial services sector, ACCA’s Global Talent Trends 2026 survey identifies a potential two-tier workforce driven by differing working patterns. The data shows that 52% of Gen Z respondents work full-time in the office, whereas only 33% of Gen X and 14% of Baby Boomers do the same. Experts suggest this mismatch could impact how younger employees gain real-world experience and how organizations manage cross-generational collaboration and workplace culture.