What is a downside of a flat structure regarding advancement?

In a flat organizational structure, there are typically fewer hierarchical levels. This can lead to a situation where the number of management positions available for advancement is limited. As a result, employees may find it challenging to achieve upward mobility within the company. The fewer layers in the organization mean that there are fewer roles to promote into, which can stifle career growth for individuals seeking higher positions.

In a flat structure, while collaboration and communication can improve, the trade-off is that not every employee will have clear or many opportunities for advancement compared to organizations with more hierarchical levels, where positions for promotion are more plentiful. This aspect can sometimes lead to frustration and decreased motivation among staff who feel stuck in their current roles.