New term 'ladderdodging' describes employees avoiding promotions
The term 'ladderdodging' describes employees who decline or avoid seeking promotions to escape the added pressure, risks, and loneliness often associated with management positions.
A new term, "ladderdodging," has emerged to describe the phenomenon of employees consciously avoiding career advancement or management roles. This often stems from a desire to protect personal well-being and sidestep the increased pressure, risks, and isolation commonly linked to leadership.
While once rare, declining a promotion is now reportedly becoming the norm, particularly among younger workers. Surveys indicate that a significant percentage of employees would reject a promotion if it required after-hours availability. Furthermore, a substantial portion of Gen Z professionals express no interest in middle management, with leadership roles not featuring as a primary career goal for most.
Rohit Bhargava, co-author of "Future Words," explains that "ladderdodging" occurs when individuals assess the added stress and responsibilities of a promotion and decide against it. He notes that management involves navigating not only tasks but also team dynamics, a challenge not everyone is prepared for. The term aims to provide language for this trend and prompt organizations to explore its underlying causes.
Research identifies three primary perceived risks that deter employees from leadership: instrumental risk (fear of team failure and subsequent blame), image risk (concern about revealing personal shortcomings), and interpersonal risk (worry about damaging relationships with colleagues). These concerns may outweigh traditional incentives like higher pay or status for some workers.