Two out of five employees complain that big changes at their workplace are "driven through" without consultation, and few are offered the chance of regular training, a new study shows.
Research by the TUC found that one in four workers has had no training apart from an induction when they started.
A survey of more than 3,000 adults revealed that only one in three was offered regular training and a fifth said staff suggestions are ignored by management.
The union organisation said employers not helping workers obtain new skills was a key factor behind the country's productivity "crisis".
TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said: "Too many people are stuck in jobs where there's no chance to get on in life.
"It's about time managers started to wake up, invest in their workers' skills and listen to their workers' opinions.
"Companies that train and listen to their workforces perform better and hold on to talented staff.
"The short-sighted approach of too many employers has blighted the UK for years. And it is stifling productivity as we head towards Brexit."
PA