“ Quiet promotions ”—where employees take on more responsibility without a pay raise —are becoming increasingly common as companies manage tighter budgets. While it is cost-effective for employers, it often leads to employee burnout and higher turnover, especially among early-career workers like Gen Z. Experts recommend naming added responsibilities, tracking impact, and negotiating compensation—or risk “normalizing unpaid advancement.”
Meet the budget-friendly promotion: more work, same pay.
It’s a common phenomenon for many workers. One day you’re updating spreadsheets and shadowing meetings. Next, you’re suddenly scheduling boardroom calls and taking on a team of your own. The responsibility piles on, but your paycheck still looks grim when it comes to splurging on the weekends