A growing number of employees are declining high-paying promotions, a phenomenon dubbed 'job dropping,' as workers increasingly prioritise work-life balance and mental health over salary gains. According to a recent survey by recruitment firm Robert Half, 38% of Australian workers have turned down a promotion in the past two years, with the top reasons being concerns about increased stress and reduced personal time.
Why Employees Are Saying No
The survey, which polled over 1,000 Australian professionals, found that 45% of respondents cited a desire for better work-life balance as the primary reason for rejecting a promotion. Another 32% said they feared the added responsibility would negatively impact their mental health. Only 18% said they turned down a promotion because the salary increase was insufficient.
Andrew Brushfield, director at Robert Half, said the trend reflects a broader shift in workplace values. 'Employees are reassessing what success means to them,' he said. 'The pandemic has prompted many to rethink their priorities, and for a significant number, a bigger pay packet is no longer the ultimate goal.'
Impact on Employers
The trend is creating challenges for employers, who are struggling to fill senior roles and retain talent. The survey found that 29% of managers reported difficulty finding internal candidates willing to take on promotions. This has led some companies to redesign roles to offer more flexible hours, remote work options, and mental health support.
Brushfield noted that employers need to adapt. 'Companies that fail to offer a holistic package—including flexibility and well-being initiatives—will find it harder to attract and retain top talent,' he said.
Generational Differences
The survey also highlighted generational differences in attitudes toward promotions. Millennials and Gen Z workers were more likely to turn down promotions than older generations, with 42% of workers under 35 declining a promotion compared to 28% of those over 50. Younger workers cited a desire for more time with family and hobbies, while older workers were more focused on financial security.
'Younger generations are leading the charge in redefining career success,' Brushfield said. 'They are less willing to sacrifice their personal lives for work, and they expect employers to respect that boundary.'
What This Means for the Future of Work
The 'job dropping' trend is part of a larger movement toward greater employee agency. As workers become more selective about career moves, companies may need to rethink traditional career ladders, offering alternative paths that allow for advancement without the traditional trade-offs. Some firms are experimenting with 'sideways promotions'—role changes that offer new challenges without additional management responsibilities.
Brushfield said the trend is likely to continue. 'We are seeing a fundamental shift in the employer-employee relationship. The old model of climbing the corporate ladder at any cost is being replaced by a more balanced approach to career and life.'
