When's The Last Time Your Boss Noticed You?
It's common to feel underappreciated at work. Maybe your co-workers are getting the credit for your efforts, or a colleague is being favored over you. Either way, it's important to recognize why this is happening and make a plan to deal with it. Here are 10 reasons you feel underappreciated at work and 10 ways to overcome it.
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1. Lack of Recognition
It's never a good feeling to put effort into your work only to have no one acknowledge it. Eventually, you start to feel invisible. Recognition doesn't always mean awards or prizes. Sometimes, it's a simple "thank you" from a colleague or manager.
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2. Credit Goes to Others
It's normal for a colleague or manager to take credit for your work. There's no question that you will feel underappreciated if your efforts are presented as someone else's. This unfair office behavior is toxic and will lead to an erosion of trust.
3. Overworked Without Appreciation
If your manager is constantly asking you to take on more work and doesn't express any gratitude, then you will become drained over time. You will never feel valued if management only sees you as a work machine.
4. Unequal Treatment
You will feel poorly treated if your colleagues are receiving more praise, flexibility, and resources. This inequality will foster resentment and discouragement.
5. Poor Communication
Leaders who are poor communicators risk making every employee feel underappreciated. Poor communication can come in the form of rarely checking in or providing feedback, and will make you feel unnoticed.
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6. Lack of Growth Opportunities
Everyone wants a chance to grow, learn, and earn more money. Without clear career growth opportunities at your workplace, you will feel stagnant. This may eventually evolve to feeling stuck and underappreciated.
7. Pay Doesn't Match Effort
For most, the leading cause of feeling underappreciated stems from a lack of pay. If your pay doesn't match the effort you are putting into your job, there's no chance you will feel appreciated. Money won't solve everything, but well-paid employees rarely feel unnoticed by their managers.
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8. Ideas are Ignored
It's demoralizing to constantly have your suggestions and ideas ignored by managers and colleagues. When your opinion is brushed aside, you will feel unimportant, excluded, and in a diminished role. Appreciation comes from having your voice heard by decision-makers.
9. No Recognition of Small Wins
It's nice when your big achievements are recognized, but it can hurt when your small wins go unnoticed. Just because you're consistently competent at your job doesn't mean that you shouldn't be appreciated for your efforts. This lack of acknowledgement will cause frustration.
10. Inconsistent Feedback
It's hard to know if you're doing a good job if you don't receive feedback regularly. When managers are silent, it feels like they don't care. Every employee deserves constructive feedback at regular intervals.
1. Acknowledge Your Own Efforts
Feeling appreciated starts by acknowledging your own efforts and value. Even if your manager and colleagues ignore your contributions, you can keep track of your achievements and build confidence in your abilities.
2. Speak Up
The best way to deal with a manager who doesn't realize your worth is to speak to them. Proactively share your success in meetings and treat performance reviews as your time to shine.
3. Request Constructive Feedback
If you aren't receiving enough feedback, then ask your manager for it. This will make your efforts more visible, and the feedback can help improve your work. Just make sure that you specifically ask for constructive feedback and are open to whatever your manager has to say.
4. Celebrate All Your Wins
Your big and small wins need to be celebrated. If your managers and colleagues aren't doing it, then it's on you to celebrate them. This is better than sitting around waiting for others to notice your work. Reward yourself with treats or breaks, and note every milestone that you achieve.
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5. Set Boundaries
Setting healthy boundaries is another way to overcome a lack of workplace appreciation. By taking some time off or leaving work at the office, your colleagues and managers recognize how much you contribute to your team. It will also prevent burnout
6. Document Your Achievements
Keep a detailed record of your work achievements, including satisfied customers, successful projects, and completed milestones. Bring your achievement log to your next performance review to reinforce your value and contributions to the company.
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7. Advocate for Fair Pay
The most tangible sign of appreciation is an employee who is fairly paid for their efforts. If you feel you are underpaid, then research market rates and hone your negotiation skills. When your next performance review arrives, go into it with a clear argument as to why your pay doesn't match your worth and why you deserve to make more money.
8. Take On Big Projects
Volunteering for big projects can increase your visibility and eventually boost recognition. Every project you work on is a chance to showcase your skills and put yourself front and center. It's also a strategic way to show that you have leadership potential.
9. Share Your Ideas
Quiet employees will find it tough to get the appreciation and recognition they deserve. Share your ideas boldly and with key decision-makers. By being persistent, you ensure that your voice is heard and your ideas have a chance at being taken seriously.
10. Strengthen Peer Relationships
Building stronger and more meaningful connections with your colleagues can help validate your worth and also provide a network that will be ready to celebrate your wins.
