HR Glossary

Career plateau

What is a career plateau?

A career plateau is when someone feels like they are stuck in their job with limited to no opportunity for challenge, advancement, or growth.

Why should employers address career plateaus?

• Higher retention rates: 

  Employees who see opportunity for future advancements are less likely to leave. When employees feel valued, it increases their loyalty.

• Increased job satisfaction: 

  Providing employees a place to develop their skills and recognize their abilities fosters fulfillment and motivation.

• Stronger workplace culture: 

  Creating an environment where employees receive support for career development deepens trust and promotes a positive growth culture.

• Develops new capabilities: 

  Stretch roles and learning initiatives help uncover and enhance hidden talents.

• Strengthens the talent pipeline: 

  Developing employees for future roles decreases dependence on outside hiring.

• Increases productivity and work quality: 

  Engaged employees generate higher-quality results and assume responsibility for their work.

What causes a career plateau?

• Limited growth opportunities
• Lack of skill development
• Poor leadership management
• Hostile environment
• Job role saturation
• Misalignment of employee goals organization goals

What are the signs of being in a career plateau?

• Decline in motivation or enthusiasm
• Reduced initiative and innovation
• Minimal engagement in team activities
• Reluctance to take on new responsibilities
• Feeling disconnected from long-term career goals
• Increase in absenteeism

What are the different types of career plateau?

• Structural plateau: 

  Growth is limited due to fewer higher-level positions.

• Content plateau: 

  Work becomes repetitive and unchallenging.

• Personal plateau: 

  Growth slows due to personal choices or external responsibilities.

• Skills plateau: 

  A lack of updated competencies restricts progression.

How do career plateaus affect an organization?

• Decreased engagement and morale amongst the workforce
• Increased employee turnover and rehiring costs
• Reduced productivity and innovation levels
• Potential for negative effect on the organisation's brand and employee turnover rate

What are the best practices for overcoming a career plateau?

• Offer structured training programs: 

  Provide programs that focus on technical, leadership, and soft skills.

• Create career roadmaps: 

  Develop a career roadmap that connects the employee’s goals with organizational needs through regular one-on-one conversations.

• Set clear, measurable goals: 

  Set measurable goals incorporating both short-term and long-term benchmarks, and create clear expectations for employee performance.

• Enable job rotation and cross-functional projects: 

  Provide job rotation and cross-functional projects to enable employees to take on diverse responsibilities and gain experience across the organization.

• Encourage internal mobility: 

  Promote internal employment opportunities and enable employees to move laterally within the organization.

• Provide continuous feedback and mentorship: 

  Replace annual reviews with real-time coaching and guidance.