Generation X employees in leadership roles are overlooked for promotions at higher rates than their counterparts in other generations, according to a study by Development Dimensions International Inc.
The study, which analyzed data from more than 25,000 leaders across industries and regions in an attempt to understand leadership advancement by generation, found the majority (66 per cent) of gen-X leaders received only one promotion or none at all over the past five years.
However, millennials and baby boomers in leadership positions were more likely to have received two or more promotions during that same period, at 52 per cent and 58 per cent, respectively.
Read: Gen Z expects fast promotions, diversity and inclusion initiatives: study
“Despite their growing influence and leadership responsibilities, gen-Xers have the slowest rate of promotion,” noted the study. “In addition, gen-Xers take after their older counterparts in longer tenure. Gen X and boomers have, on average, worked for two companies over the past 10 years in comparison to millennials who have worked at an average of three organizations during the same time.”
According to the study, only 58 per cent of gen-Xers said they feel they’re advancing within their organization at an acceptable rate, compared to 65 per cent of millennials.
As well, 40 per cent of gen-Xers said they’re contemplating leaving to advance their careers. Nearly one in five (18 per cent) indicated their intention to leave their employer has increased in the last year, which is a significantly higher proportion than other generations, noted the study.
Read: 28% of Canadian gen-Xers have no retirement savings, survey finds