Are unambitious workers a problem?

Canadian HR pros debate whether someone content to remain in a low or mid-level position is a problem to be solved, or a business necessity.

Not every worker will eventually be CEO, but are employees who are content to remain in their jobs, completing the required tasks but no more, holding a company back? That was the argument from staffing director R. J. Morris, but some Canadian HR pros disagree, saying these workers are often the backbone of an organization.
 
" ‘Competent squatter’ – what a nasty and contemptuous phrase for the majority of employees who are content at what they do, pleasant, competent, reliable and good team players,” Ann wrote. “Not every employee needs to be ambitious.”
 
She added that if an employee was disinterested or not performing then HR should address the problem, but they also needed to recognize the importance of having “good solid and reliable performers who may not have the potential or desire to perform up.”
 
However, some HR leaders suggested these workers could be less adaptable and effective in the long term.
 
“I think that the fear for organizations in the ‘competent squatter’ is that while they are good at the job they currently hold, their adaptability to change as the technology, and business changes may be limited,” Zakeana wrote. “A company of such workers would quickly fall behind one that values learning, growth, change and innovation - in my opinion.”
 
 
 

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