Why do employees say 'no' to promotions? Insights from a global study

A significant question arises in modern workplaces: why would an employee decline a promotion when they are entirely content with their current role? According to a recent study conducted by the world's largest staffing company, many individuals prefer to remain in their current positions with the same responsibilities rather than ascend the corporate ladder.

The annual Workmonitor report by Randstad reveals that 39% of surveyed workers would turn down a promotion because they are satisfied with their current job. Similarly, 34% express reluctance to ever assume a managerial or supervisory role.

"This indicates that people's motivations at work are not solely based on promotions," stated Sander van ‘t Noordende, CEO of Randstad, in an interview with Business Insider. "Talent means redefining ambition, striking a balance between professional and personal life, embracing flexibility, equality, and prioritizing skills in professional decision-making," he emphasized.

The Randstad survey encompassed 27,000 participants across 34 countries throughout Europe, the broader Asia-Pacific region, and the Americas. Respondents, aged 18 to 67, are either employed for at least 24 hours per week, self-employed, or unemployed but considering future job searches.

These findings align with trends emerging in the global labor market in recent years. Concepts like "quiet quitting," "lazy girl jobs," and "bare minimum Monday," which advocate for prioritizing life outside of work, encourage employees to de-prioritize their professional commitments.

Some younger workers hesitate to take on managerial positions due to a lack of trust in higher-ups, a preference for a healthy work-life balance, or a belief that the additional monetary compensation isn't worth the extra workload and pressure.

For employers aiming to retain and develop new talent, the message is clear. "Employers need to pay attention to progression beyond traditional career advancement, taking into account each individual's personal ambitions," van ‘t Noordende affirmed. "They also need to understand that professional growth and maintaining a healthy personal life are interconnected and must be balanced," he concluded.

[With information sourced from Money Review GR and Business Insider]