The phenomenon consists of an increase in labor burden that does not translate into concrete career progression, such as a promotion or an increase.
A growing number of US workers says their careers are stagnant due to what experts call “ghost growth” – The illusion of professional progress without significant rewards.
According to a new to 1000 workers, by the My Perfect career platform summarizes, almost two thirds of respondents said they experienced this phenomenon. Ghost growth is generally manifested in the form of extra responsibilities or compliments on the part of the bosses, but does not generate tangible changesas higher wages, promotions or more benefits.
Career coach Jasmine Escalera, who has also experienced ghost growth in her own career, explains that the practice “seems successful on paper”, but in the end, ends up devalue workers. “They will give you something to feel satisfied and to remain in the company. But in fact, they will not give you the position, salary or career progression you are looking for,” he says.
The inquiry revealed that almost half of the workers feel that their careers have stagnated, while many believe employers use superficial opportunities to calm them. The consequences for morals can be serious. About 25% of employees said that ghost growth left them frustratedwhile 20% reported feeling exhausted. Alarmingly, more than two-thirds said they had considered to be dismissed because of this.
Escalera warns that surface growth is a “revenue for disaster” at the workplace. “Professionals are eager to show their value,” she says. “But if your efforts don’t lead to tangible changes, will end up giving up.”
When asked what they really want from their careers, 27% of workers pointed to higher wages as its main priority. Others sought a better balance between personal and professional life (18%) or opportunities to assume leadership positions (16%).
For employers, the conclusions should serve as “a great alert“Escalera says, who recommends that managers promote open career development communication.“ If anyone wants to develop a specific skills set or take leadership, it can’t just be a work of appeasement, ”he adds.
Workers who face ghost growth, advises, should be prepared with evidence of its contributions and start frank discussions with managers. If no concrete plane arises, it may be time to look for opportunities elsewhere.
Ultimately, stresses, companies are at risk of lose your best talents if they cannot translate extra work into real growth. “Workers know what the situation is now,” he says. “If companies do not find a way to meet these needs, they will not be able to keep their best professionals.”
