Alleviating the negative effects of career plateauing has been a great challenge for small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as it is considered to be one of the major causes for employees’ job
dissatisfaction. Unsystematic condition and low investment in formal learning and training, however,
makes it difficult for SMEs to retain their employees. Positing that informal learning is a solution to
that mitigates employees’ perception of a career plateau, the purpose of this research study is to examine
the impact of informal learning on job satisfaction and the mediating effect of career plateauing. A
structural equation model was used for data analysis, while 256 employees from various SMEs in Korea
participated in a questionnaire survey. The results of the study show that informal learning increased job
satisfaction by reducing the career plateau effect. While career plateauing has a negative influence on job
satisfaction, this research study offers evidence that implementing more informal learning at the
workplace helps mitigate employees’ perception of a career plateau and improves job satisfaction. Hence,
it can be an alternative solution for SMEs aiming to develop and retain their employees.