McLean & Co. Launches Career Pathing Framework

Amid rising employee expectations for career advancement and growing concerns over internal mobility, McLean & Company is introducing a new framework designed to help organizations structure career development initiatives. The HR research and advisory firm says the model supports both employee engagement and long-term organizational performance by aligning career growth with business priorities.

The launch comes as recent data reveals a widening gap between employee ambition and internal opportunities. According to LinkedIn, only 20% of employees feel confident about advancing within their organization. McLean & Company’s own exit survey shows that 43% of departing employees cite lack of advancement as a key reason for leaving.

To address this challenge, McLean & Company is launching its Integrated Career Pathing Framework, which outlines four key components: role clarity and leveling, defined mobility criteria, integration with broader HR programs, and manager enablement.

“Employees are telling us they want to grow — but they do not see a path forward,” says Lexi Hambides, Director of HR Research & Advisory Services, McLean & Company. “Without clear frameworks, organizations risk losing talent and reducing engagement.”

The framework provides step-by-step guidance for HR leaders to implement scalable, transparent, and adaptable career pathing strategies. It includes tools for defining role levels, mapping mobility pathways across departments, and aligning growth opportunities with performance expectations.

McLean & Company’s research underscores that employees who perceive strong learning opportunities are 1.6 times more likely to be engaged. However, many organizations face roadblocks such as limited resources, misaligned leadership, and lack of integration with HR systems like learning and development, total rewards, and performance management.

To support implementation, the firm offers an on-demand McLean Academy course on career pathing. The course provides HR professionals with templates and planning tools, including a workbook, a promotion process guide, and conversation support materials for managers and employees.