The Price of Success Is Not in Dollars...SHRM Research Finds the Real Costs and How Your Employer Can Provide Better Support

SAN DIEGO, CA – Today, SHRM, the trusted authority on all things work, workers, and the workplace, released new findings in its latest research report: The Price of Success: Navigating the Trade-Offs That Shape Career Growth, which will be presented at SHRM Annual Conference and Expo (SHRM25). This study provides valuable insights into how career advancement impacts employees’ personal and professional lives, with nearly 50% of respondents reporting negative impacts on their mental and physical health during their career progression, particularly women climbing the ladder. 

The Price of Success report highlights how career advancement offers unparalleled opportunities for personal growth, leadership influence, and financial rewards, but it often comes at a significant cost. SHRM’s findings uncover notable sacrifices workers make, from longer work hours and reduced family time to the adverse effects on physical and mental health.

“While the road to career advancement requires dedication and some trade-offs, the rewards can be profound,” said Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, President and CEO of SHRM. Success doesn’t have to come at the cost of well-being or fulfillment. When organizations invest in mentorship, resources, and support systems, they empower employees to thrive both personally and professionally. Growth isn’t just about climbing the ladder; it’s about ensuring the climb is sustainable and rewarding for every individual.”

The report also identifies key factors influencing career ambitions: 

• Priorities shift with career progression:
  • While 89% of workers cited salary as their top influence on career decisions – priorities shift as professionals climb the career ladder. 
  • Leaders such as directors, for instance, valued leadership opportunities and influence – whereas 31% still valued financial rewards. 
• Women in senior roles tend to experience trade-offs more acutely. 
  • 71% of female directors and above reported working longer hours than desired versus 60% of their male peers. 
  • Similarly, women were more likely to report sacrificing self-care and family time than their male counterparts.
• Organizational support plays a crucial role in mitigating career trade-offs:
  • Mentorships, sponsorships, and leadership resources help employees overcome challenges and build resilience.
  • Employees with mentors or sponsors are 1.5 times more motivated to face career challenges.

SHRM’s research underscores the pivotal role of organizational support in addressing these trade-offs, stating how mentorships, sponsorships, and accessible leadership resources can help employees overcome obstacles and build resilience. Organizations prioritizing employee well-being and providing tailored resources to foster professional development will not only improve employee satisfaction but also build a future-ready workplace.

In a breakout session at SHRM25, the report’s lead researcher will explore the common sacrifices workers make to advance in their careers and highlight actionable strategies employers can implement to reduce the impact of these trade-offs. 

You can find the full report here. 

Methodology

A total of 2,249 U.S. workers were surveyed in June and July 2024 using a third-party survey panel. Of the 1,109 female workers, 256 were employed at the individual contributor level, 423 at the manager or supervisor level, and 430 at the director level or above. Of the 1,137 male workers, 280 were employed at the individual contributor level, 431 at the manager or supervisor level, and 426 at the director level or above. A total of three respondents indicated “Other” or “Prefer not to say” for their gender. These respondents were included in the overall analysis but were excluded from gender-based comparisons.

About SHRM

SHRM is a member-driven catalyst for creating better workplaces where people and businesses thrive together. As the trusted authority on all things work, SHRM is the foremost expert, researcher, advocate, and thought leader on issues and innovations impacting today’s evolving workplaces. With nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries, SHRM touches the lives of more than 362 million workers and their families globally. Discover more at SHRM.org.