Abstract
This research sought to explore the drivers of vertical career immobility among atypical workers in Zimbabwe. Twelve respondents, who were purposively selected, participated in this qualitative study. Data was gathered from respondents, using one-on-one, semi-structured interviews. The study identified several factors that contribute to vertical career immobility among atypical workers in Zimbabwe. Respondents identified limited formal education and training, a lack of labour market information, economic conditions, poor networking and organisational constraints as key drivers of vertical immobility among atypical workers in Zimbabwe. This study recommends supervisors and workers at the case firm in Zimbabwe to comprehend the highlighted drivers of vertical career immobility and devise explicit approaches to overcome it. The study also recommends that managers at the case firm in Zimbabwe should engage in regular career coaching talks with atypical workers, execute targeted upskilling and career mapping, and consider atypical workers for internal promotion. Finally, to overcome vertical career immobility, the study recommends that atypical workers should focus on upskilling and reskilling, lateral moves and strategic networking. Issue 1/2026 300