Dr. Gleb Tsipursky – The Office Whisperer
Nirit Cohen – WorkFutures
Angela Howard – Culture Expert
Drew Jones – Design & Innovation
Jonathan Price – CRE & Flex Expert
A new MyPerfectResume survey shows that millions of U.S. workers are stuck in “ghost growth,” which is the illusion of career advancement without raises, promotions, or real authority. Instead of rewards for good performance, many employees face heavier workloads with little to no compensation, leading to frustration and burnout.
Widespread Experience of Performative Career Advancement
The survey of 1,000 employed adults found that 65% have experienced career growth that feels superficial, while 66% believe their employers engage in “growth theater” — actions that appear supportive but lack real results.
Nearly half of respondents reported hitting career plateaus masked by empty promises.
Workers are taking on significantly more responsibility without pay: 78% were assigned new duties without a raise or promotion, while only 15% received pay increases reflecting their expanded roles.
Over a third said they were never fairly compensated, and more than half were promised promotions or opportunities that never materialized.
Emotional Toll: Frustration, Burnout, and Job Searching
This performative growth has emotional and practical consequences. Many workers reported feeling frustrated (23%), burned out (20%), or disengaged (15%), and 16% began job hunting because of stalled progress.
The disconnect between effort and reward creates distrust, with 68% considering quitting due to fake advancement and 27% actually leaving jobs for that reason.
Pressure to Appear Successful Despite Stagnation
Pressure to appear successful adds to the strain. Over half of workers feel compelled to show signs of career growth even when none exists, driven by workplace expectations, peer comparisons, or social media.
What Workers Really Want: Pay, Balance, and Clear Paths
When asked what real growth looks like, workers emphasized tangible outcomes: higher pay (27%), better work-life balance (18%), leadership roles or promotion paths (16%), and new skills development (15%).
Few believe autonomy alone signals true advancement.
A Clear Warning to Employers
The survey emphasizes a critical warning for employers: empty career development efforts damage trust, fuel turnover, and risk pushing away top talent.
Genuine progress tied to compensation and clear career trajectories is essential to keep workers engaged and motivated.
