Upskilling for the Careers of Tomorrow: 5 Tips for Better Job Security and Employee Retention

By DeVry University

The information presented here is true and accurate as of the date of publication. DeVry’s programmatic offerings and their accreditations are subject to change. Please refer to the current academic catalog for details.

October 31, 2025

9 min read

It’s no secret that today’s job market is competitive. Applicants and current staff alike are on their toes keeping up with changing employee retention tactics, skills, budgets, technology, and more.

The good news is that while workplaces continue to adapt, employees can too – and strengthening your skillset can help you stand out in the crowded field.

A look at today’s employer vs. employee retention strategies

In the summer of 2025, we worked with Reputation Leaders to survey about 1,500 workers and 500 employers regarding workplace shifts, job security, and skills needed for the future. The results, in our “Bridging the Gap: Overcoming a Silent Standoff in America’s Talent Economy” report, show a strong difference of opinion between staff and employers regarding professional development.

Almost 70% of surveyed employers believe staff don't have the right skills to be successful over the next 5 years – while 85% of workers feel they do. This divide, while surprising, highlights an opportunity for workers to future-proof their careers and improve their employee retention strategies through upskilling, reskilling, and more.

graphic illustrating the percentage of employers vs. employees who feel that staff have the right skills needed

5 tips to increase your job security

Closing the gap between what employers expect and what you bring to the table could help increase your options in the workplace. With insights from our research, here are 5 strategies to help you navigate evolving employer needs and learn how to increase your job security.

1. Be proactive in the workplace

In our study, 61% of employers said their top reason for laying off one employee over another was a lack of personal motivation. What’s more, employers reported a lack of growth potential as their second-highest reason. While there are many factors behind a layoff, this data presents an exciting opportunity to differentiate yourself in the workforce.

illustrated graph of 'Employers' reasons for letting one worker go over another'

To start, keep that motivation statistic in mind and don’t allow yourself to become stagnant in your current role. If you’re in between jobs right now, engage in continued learning to boost your skills as you prep for your next interview.

Here are a few strategies to stay motivated and focused on professional growth:

Volunteer for projects that stretch your skills: You’ll demonstrate your willingness to help out and you might learn something new along the way.
Become a problem-solver: It’s easy to spot an issue in the workplace, but not everyone can solve it. Think outside the box to provide solutions that increase efficiency, revenue, or other metrics that matter.
Tap into the power of lifelong learning: Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill or strengthen your current toolkit, building on your education can demonstrate your commitment to your career.

2. Cultivate your soft skills

Interestingly, our survey found strong agreement among workers and employers on the importance of soft skills. Also called durable skills, these abilities can create a strong foundation in times of increased workplace change:

78% of employers say durable skills are key for employee retention amidst constant change.
63% of workers agree that soft skills play a critical role in job security.
70% of employers also say durable skills can be a deciding factor in promotions.

graphic displaying 78% of employers say durable skills are the new job security

A few of the important soft skills reported by both employers and staff include:

AI and other tech knowledge
Critical thinking and problem-solving
Multitasking without oversight
Interpersonal skills
Leadership and management

It’s never too late to learn a new soft skill – or to advance the foundation you’ve already built. For example, leveling up your leadership skills can be a savvy way to develop career-focused skills in management, AI, critical thinking, and more.

3. Don’t sleep on AI

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing industries from healthcare to software development to manufacturing. Both hiring managers and staff have noticed the growing need to capitalize on the potential of AI, and that mindset is reflected in our survey:

57% of workers expect AI to be the most valuable skill for their future.
62% of employers are reconsidering who to hire based on shifting tech needs.

graphic illustrating Artificial Intelligence's skill percentages

Learning to leverage AI tools now could help you stand out at work today – and prepare for tomorrow’s careers. AI is augmenting human-driven processes already, with tasks like creating dashboards, running automations, and generating reports.

Harnessing the power of AI tools can demonstrate your future-forward approach, and it could even free up your time to take on more complex projects as you move up in your career.

4. Tap workplace employee retention resources

Staff and employers showed a strong difference of opinion in our survey regarding options for professional development. Just around half of employees say they have access to upskilling and reskilling opportunities from their employers. In contrast, 75% of employers feel they have provided enough relevant resources.

These differing viewpoints could be due to many factors, but with employers reporting this strong number, it’s a good idea to check what yours offers. Many organizations offer some form of professional development. Taking advantage of these resources could help you develop new skills, prepare for a promotion opportunity, or even boost your resume with a fresh credential.

Workplace professional development resources can include:

Employer tuition benefits for college
In-person industry conferences
Job shadowing opportunities
Online reskilling trainings
Professional mentorship

What’s more, if you find a professional development opportunity that isn’t currently covered by your employer, it never hurts to ask if they’ll consider it. They might have a budget to pay for a course, for example, or be willing to add a new program to their worker retention strategies and roster of resources.

5. Upskill with a future-focused education

One of the smartest ways you can take control of your future is to continue learning. Investing in yourself is an empowering move – and most of our survey participants agree it’s likely to pay off:

80% of employers say earning an education today can advance your career.
71% of workers and 81% of employers say going for that education is worth it in today’s economy.

graphic illustrating percentages of education investment value

Advancing your education and learning new abilities demonstrates your resilience and motivation in a crowded job market. As our survey shows, employers are looking for staff who want to keep growing.

While workforce retention needs will continue to change over time, strengthening your soft skills – and your ability to adapt to new tech – can give you the knowledge you need to pursue the careers of tomorrow with confidence.

Future-proof your career with DeVry

Tomorrow’s opportunities are within reach. With industry-focused coursework, flexible learning options, and unlimited career support, we’ll be with you every step of the way.

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