Why are 81% of frontline employees saying they would quit if they don’t see a clear career path?

Career progression isn’t just an HR initiative—it’s a business strategy that directly impacts retention, productivity, leadership pipeline, and customer experience. Investing in structured career growth ensures that employees feel valued, stay longer, and perform better.

‍Career progression is the key to change for frontline teams - Here’s why

1. Boosts Employee Retention & Loyalty

Fact: Employees who see growth opportunities are 2x more likely to stay with an organization.

High turnover is costly—both financially and operationally. When employees know they have a defined path to promotion, they are more engaged, motivated, and committed. Retaining skilled frontline workers leads to better team morale, stronger workplace culture, and reduced hiring costs.

Companies that prioritize employee growth create a workplace where staff feel secure about their future. A structured career progression framework makes employees see a future with their company rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere. Long-term employees also strengthen workplace relationships, fostering a sense of belonging that drives collaboration and innovation.

2. Enhances Productivity & Performance

Fact: Businesses with structured career progression see 25% higher productivity.

A career roadmap gives employees clear goals to work toward, improving their performance and work ethic. Well-trained, engaged employees deliver faster, better service—directly impacting business success.

When employees understand how their contributions impact the company’s success, they become more invested in their work. As a result, frontline staff take ownership of their roles, leading to higher motivation, efficiency, and a commitment to quality. Regular training, upskilling, and mentoring also play a role in increasing workplace productivity by helping employees sharpen their skills and take on new challenges confidently.

3. Builds a Strong Leadership Pipeline

Fact: Internal promotions result in faster onboarding and stronger leadership compared to external hires.

Rather than hiring externally, companies that focus on career progression can develop leaders from within. Employees who grow internally already understand the company culture and processes, making them better-equipped for leadership roles.

Building a strong leadership pipeline ensures that businesses can fill key roles quickly and efficiently without the cost of hiring external candidates who need time to adapt to the company’s structure. Employees who rise through the ranks are more likely to stay loyal to the organization, ensuring leadership continuity and strategic alignment. Additionally, leaders who have firsthand frontline experience bring valuable insights that lead to better decision-making and management.

4. Improves Customer Experience

Fact: Happy employees create better customer interactions, leading to higher customer retention rates.

Frontline teams are directly responsible for customer satisfaction. Employees who feel valued and invested in their roles provide exceptional service, resulting in higher customer loyalty and sales growth.

An engaged and motivated workforce directly translates to improved customer experiences. When frontline employees receive proper training and see career growth potential, they become more confident, proactive, and solution-driven in their interactions with customers. A workforce that understands its value within the company is more likely to develop stronger communication skills, solve customer problems efficiently, and provide a memorable customer service experience that keeps people coming back.

The results from our survey:

✅ 100% of frontline employees demand structured career pathways to pave the way for career advancement.

✅ 50% prioritize promotions over pay raises.

✅ 81% would quit if they don’t see growth opportunities.

This survey shows how serious the need for career progression is for today's frontline teams. Forward-thinking companies understand that investing in career progression is a win-win strategy—it benefits both employees and the business. Employees gain a sense of purpose, stability, and motivation, while organizations enjoy higher retention, better performance, and stronger leadership.

Check out our career progression eBook to help guide you in designing structured career progression for frontline employees.

Download the Ultimate Guide to Career Progression Now! ‍