1 in 3 bosses demoted an employee

Failure in a new role accounts for 46% of demotions.

One in three, or almost 30%, of Singapore’s bosses have demoted an employee at their company, recruiter specialist Robert Half reveals in his survey.

Almost half, or 46%, have demoted an employee who was not succeeding after being promoted to a new role.

Also read: Why do Singapore firms still struggle to retain talent?

Poor performance follows as the second reason at 37%, and for less than 15%, or one in five of bosses, organisational restructuring or the position having been eliminated. Only 2% say the demotion was voluntary on behalf of the employee.

Meanwhile, more than half, or 54%, of managers say the employee handled the news as gracefully as possible, followed by 21% who lost interest in their work.

A strong reaction to the demotion prompted 18% of employees to quit in response. Only 7% took a proactive approach and focused on excelling in their new position.