A recent survey of U.S. employees highlights a growing concern over significant changes to job roles without clear communication, a phenomenon often described as a career “bait-and-switch.” According to the survey conducted by ResumeBuilder, nearly 20% of employees reported that their roles have shifted drastically or become entirely different from the positions they were initially hired to fill. In addition, 30% of respondents said they felt undervalued or overlooked, while 74% experienced inconsistent, delayed, or reactive conversations regarding their career development.

Career advisers and workplace experts emphasize that job responsibilities naturally evolve over time, particularly amid developments like advancements in artificial intelligence, restructuring, or understaffing. However, changes should be accompanied by transparent communication and adjustments to expectations. Stacie Haller, chief career adviser at ResumeBuilder, noted that normal role changes build on existing skills and involve discussions with employees. She cautioned that concerns arise when employees take on multiple roles without title changes or raises, or when priorities shift suddenly without explanation.

Anthony Belluccia, an industrial and organizational psychologist at the Predictive Index, highlighted the toll that mismatched roles can take, even if employees can adapt. “People can only ‘flex’ into a mismatched role for so long,” he said, warning that drifting responsibilities can lead to burnout and decreased job satisfaction.

Experts recommend that employees proactively seek clarity regarding their current responsibilities and performance metrics by engaging managers in conversations about how roles have changed. Lisa Leath, chief people officer at Vantaca, stressed the importance of managers being explicit about what success looks like as job duties evolve, especially in cases where artificial intelligence is reshaping the nature of work.

Job seekers are also advised to guard against potential bait-and-switch situations during the interview process. Haller suggested looking out for vague job descriptions, inconsistent explanations of the role from different interviewers, pressure to accept offers quickly, and unclear reasons for vacancies. María José Lorenzo, vice president of talent acquisition at Hire With Near, attributed many such situations to poorly defined roles rather than intentional deception. She urged candidates to ask specific questions about success benchmarks and daily responsibilities during interviews as a way to assess the stability and clarity of the position.

For employees who have raised concerns about shifting roles but see no resolution after several months, Haller advised considering other opportunities to protect long-term career goals. Searching for new positions while still employed offers greater control over transitions, she said, rather than being forced into decisions under duress.

As workplaces continue to evolve rapidly, clear communication and role definition remain critical to ensuring employee alignment and satisfaction, experts say.