Career progression for white-collar employees: Waste management industry

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In the era of globalization, businesses face the challenge of developing and maintaining an effective workforce. Human resource leaders should closely monitor employee discontent with career progression to prevent workplace productivity declines and employee attrition. The primary reason for job loss is often due to a lack of career progression. Career progression involves moving up the corporate ladder, accepting new responsibilities, transferring to better positions, and achieving long-term goals. It refers to the upward or downward movement of employees within an organization, from entry-level to management positions. This study aims to fill knowledge gaps on white-collar occupations, career progression, and how these factors impact salary, lifestyle, and job security.METHODS: This study used quantitative analysis and hypothesis testing to determine the association between the variables. Data analysis was done using Statistical Software for Social Science (SPSS) software. A total of 250 questionnaires were sent out, of which 231 were returned with feedback, and 227 of those were usable, yielding a 90% response rate.FINDINGS: Multi-collinear analysis data reveals a negative link between salary and career progression, with a beta coefficient of -0.148 and a p-value of 0.010, which is more than 0.001. Nonetheless, the p-value for job security is less than 0.001, with a beta coefficient of 0.462. The beta coefficient for lifestyle is 0.348, and its p-value is less than 0.001. Hence, the research indicates that lifestyle and job security positively correlate with career progression.CONCLUSION: The National Solid Waste Management Policy aims to establish a sustainable, integrated waste management system, promote public awareness, and enhance infrastructure for efficient waste management. In line with the study's findings, the policy could be enhanced by incorporating measures that promote employees' lifestyles and career progression.