Is There a Tenure Tipping Point?

At what stage does long service with one employer shift from being seen as an asset to being perceived as complacency or institutionalisation?

If someone has moved around frequently, we ask questions. And rightly so, we want to know that they have shown resilience, navigated different environments and seen projects through their full cycle.

But lately, employers have been questioning the flip side: how long is too long?

When evaluating experience and tenure generally- consider the following;

• Evidence of progression and increased responsibility

For roles up to middle management, hiring managers typically look for position progression every 2-3 years. Slower movement is more commonly seen at senior management level, based on scarcity of roles and time taken to achieve results.

• Impactful delivery

• Examples of adapting to different leadership styles and organisational change.

• Proven ability to keep pace with shifts in technology, market trends and customer needs.

Tenure with one company doesn’t always equal stagnation.