Towers Watson's Global Workforce Study (GWS), which included a survey of 2,628 UK workers, found that one in four (26%) UK workers feel 'stuck' in their role as their peers put off retirement and the vast majority (77%) said that their ability to advance their career has either got worse or stayed the same compared to a year ago.
Furthermore, two in five (40%) said they would have to leave their organisation in order to advance to a job at a higher level.
Adding to concerns that Britain's businesses and their workforce have hit a 'productivity wall', the survey also found that only about a third (32%) of workers think their organisation does a good job of promoting the most qualified employees, just 33% said their organisation does a good job of providing opportunities for career advancement, and worryingly, only 55% of workers said they have the tools and resources they need to achieve exceptional performance. Many workers (66%) also cannot see a clear link between performance and pay, suggesting that workers have little incentive to push themselves in their role.
Yves Duhaldeborde, head of organisational surveys & insights at Towers Watson, said: "The research paints a worrying picture of 'Standstill Britain'. It suggests that both workers and UK PLC are stuck in a rut, without the tools, inclination or support they need to progress. The post-recession reality is that many people have swapped ambition for stability and are choosing a steady income from their current role over aiming for promotion or looking for a new job entirely.
"We need employers to really inject innovation, creativity and confidence back into their business to ensure that employees feel assured of their career options and can break through the current ambition ceiling we're seeing."
The GWS was administered globally to employees across 29 different countries, including those in the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.
