Nearly half of employees refuse promotions. This is why 42% are wondering, ‘How do I get out of this?’

Promotions used to be the dream. The corner office, the fancy title and the big salary were all part of what was once considered the ideal career path. But nowadays things are changing. A surprising number of people say “No thanks” to promotions that their managers think are the ultimate reward.

In fact, a recent Randstad survey shows that 42% of American employees are not interested in moving up. There are a few main causes and they have nothing to do with employees’ lack of drive or laziness.

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First, burnout is a major problem at work. Gallup reported that 76% of employees sometimes feel burned out and about 28% say they often or always feel burned out. When you’re already overwhelmed, the last thing you want is to add more responsibilities on top of it. Promotions often come with more work and pressure, which can be the tipping point for someone struggling to keep their head above water.

When employees feel stressed, they don’t necessarily want to ‘push through’ anymore. Many of them have come to realize that hiring more may not be the answer and that protecting their mental health is more important than an improved job title.

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Another reason why people decline promotions is the desire to maintain a work-life balance. As a result of the pandemic, many have developed a new respect for hobbies, family time and the freedom to work from home. Taking on a management position often means losing that balance: more hours in the office, more meetings and less flexibility.

Sometimes a promotion isn’t a promotion. A 2018 survey found that 39% of employers regularly offer promotions without any raises. And even though some employees, especially younger ones, take on the title for the CV boost, they are not always happy with the extra workload. Promotions must have a fair trade-off: more money, support and benefits. If not, it’s easy to understand why employees feel undervalued and would rather stay where they are.

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As Business Insider reports, climbing the corporate ladder is no longer the goal it used to be. People these days wonder if buying a corner office is worth it – and many decide it isn’t. The idea that every worker should want to rise through the ranks is outdated. For many people, career development is not about fancy titles; it’s about having a job they enjoy, where they feel valued and that gives them the balance they need for a fulfilling life.

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