A majority of US workers say they experience ‘ghost growth’ in their careers

Core Insights - A significant portion of U.S. workers, 65%, experience "ghost growth," which refers to the illusion of career advancement without actual changes in pay, promotion, or authority [1] - Two-thirds of employees believe their employers engage in "growth theater," providing support without tangible outcomes, leading to increased workload without corresponding rewards [2] Employee Experience - In a survey of 1,000 workers, 78% reported being assigned new job duties without receiving a raise or promotion, and over half were promised promotions that never materialized [3] - More than one-third of respondents indicated they were never adequately compensated for increased workloads [3] Impact on Morale and Trust - Overwork without recognition negatively impacts employee morale, and unfulfilled promises can erode trust, potentially leading to higher turnover rates [4] - Nearly 70% of workers have considered quitting due to perceived fake growth, with almost 30% having actually left a job for this reason [4] Recommendations for HR Leaders - HR leaders are advised to improve employee engagement by considering workload balance, which can help reduce boredom, burnout, and attrition [5]