Retaining top sales talent is just as important as attracting them. To understand why B2B sales professionals consider leaving their current roles, we surveyed 500 candidates about their key motivations. Here’s what they told us:
Lack of Career Growth – 49%
Nearly half of all respondents cited lack of career progression as their main reason for wanting to move on. Sales professionals are ambitious by nature, and if they don’t see opportunities for advancement, they’ll look elsewhere for a company that offers clear growth pathways, training, and internal promotions.
Unstable or unreliable commission structure – 27%
A fair and transparent commission structure is a must in sales. When incentives are unclear, inconsistent, or unreliable, it can quickly lead to frustration. Salespeople want to be rewarded for their efforts in a way that reflects their performance, and a strong commission plan can be a key factor in retaining top performers.
Lack of Stability – 24%
Company stability is a growing concern for B2B sales professionals. Whether it’s uncertainty due to leadership changes, financial struggles, or market shifts, many candidates expressed a desire for a more secure work environment. A company’s reputation, leadership strength, and long-term vision play a big role in whether employees choose to stay or move on.
Other Common Reasons for Leaving
While these were the top three factors, other reasons candidates mentioned include:
- Mis-sold Role – The job didn’t match the expectations set during the hiring process.
- Company Performance – Poor company results or uncertain future prospects.
- Desire for Flexibility – A lack of remote work or flexible scheduling options.
- Redundancy – Job security concerns due to layoffs or restructuring.
What this means for employers
If you want to retain your best salespeople, career development, fair compensation, and company stability need to be at the forefront of your strategy. Employees who feel valued, supported, and secure in their roles are far less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere. Looking to strengthen your sales team and improve retention? Get in touch today – we can help you find and keep your best sales talent.