Workers Are Saying “No Thanks” to Leadership Roles — Here’s Why It Matters

A Shift in Career Aspirations

New data suggests that fewer workers are interested in taking management positions — a shift HR leaders are calling “conscious unbossing.” According to research from Express Employment Professionals, more than half of current or former managers have stepped back or plan to do so due to lack of fulfillment or advancement. The trend appears especially strong among Gen Z workers, many of whom say they prefer deepening personal expertise over supervising others.

Protecting Mental Health and Flexibility

Experts say this movement reflects changing workplace values. Employees are prioritizing mental health, connection, and autonomy rather than chasing traditional titles. With supervisors now managing larger teams, tighter budgets, and increasing performance demands — often with only a modest pay increase — many see leadership as stress without sufficient reward. Remote and hybrid work has also given employees a taste of independence they are reluctant to give up.

A Generational, But Widespread, Trend

While younger professionals are leading the shift, the reluctance isn’t limited to Gen Z. Experienced workers, too, are passing on leadership roles after seeing the strain they can create. As talent strategist Jennifer Dulski notes, this trend isn’t a rejection of leadership itself — but of outdated systems and insufficient support for managers.

How HR Can Adapt

HR executives say companies need to rethink development paths, elevate lateral growth opportunities, and provide better support systems for those who do choose to lead. Organizations investing in manager training, innovative leadership tools, and parallel expert career tracks may be best positioned to attract future leaders. As one HR leader put it: when leadership becomes a choice — not the only path — we may end up with better, more committed leaders in the long run.