What is Lateral Move?
A lateral move refers to a job change within the same organization or to another company where the new position has a similar level of responsibility, salary, and status as the previous role. Unlike a promotion, which involves moving up the career ladder, a lateral move allows employees to explore new roles, gain different experiences, or shift to another department without a change in hierarchy.
Why do employees make lateral moves?
- Skill Development: Gain expertise in a different domain or department.
- Career Growth: Expand career prospects by diversifying experience.
- Work-Life Balance: Move to a role with better flexibility or work conditions.
- Job satisfaction: Shift to a role that aligns more with personal interests.
- Avoid Burnout: Transition to a less stressful or more fulfilling role.
Benefits of a Lateral Move for Organizations
- Encourages internal mobility, leading to better employee retention.
- It helps in talent development by giving employees cross-functional experience.
- Boosts team collaboration by allowing employees to work in diverse areas.
- Reduces hiring costs as existing employees fill vacant roles.
How HR teams use this term
HR teams usually use Lateral Move when they write policies, explain employee communication, review payroll or leave records, or keep employee data clean in an HRMS.