How to surmount a 'promotion plateau'

"Typically, a promotion plateau results from the organizational structure of a business with barriers of advancement: hierarchy, red tape, poor structural systems in place, even budget constraints. In some cases, an employee's apathy and lack of transferable skills due to these structural challenges can affect the possibility of being promoted. Whatever the reason, "if you cannot see a clear path for advancement in your organization, you may be at a promotion plateau," Sherman says."

"Many large, long-standing organizations have built-in promotional structures that are reliable and predictable in nature. But if you work for smaller, midsized, or younger organizations, they may not have reliable promotional steps built into their system, says Sherman. So you might have to get a bit introspective instead. "Another place to look is in your gut," he also says. "Ambitious employees who feel they have reached a promotional plateau will begin to feel dissatisfied with their work.""

A promotion plateau happens when employees are repeatedly passed over for advancement despite hard work, initiative, skill growth, and teamwork. Common signs include feeling that promotions are slower than expected, skills are not improving, or roles are no longer challenging. Organizational constraints such as hierarchy, red tape, poor structural systems, and budget limits often create barriers. Smaller or younger companies may lack reliable promotion frameworks, requiring employees to seek introspection and alternative paths. Employee apathy and limited transferable skills can also contribute. Recognizing a lack of clear advancement paths is the signal to reassess career strategy and pursue momentum.

Read at Fast Company