Nothing makes a job miserable faster than a bad boss – particularly someone who has no qualms about overworking their staff. Sure, sometimes you’ll be asked to go above and beyond your duties, and you’ll have to comply because that’s just part of being a team player. But feeling unappreciated or like you’re constantly being taken advantage of at work is not in anyone’s job description.
Of course, as an employee, you’re expected to perform a particular set of duties that fall within your job description. But a red flag should go up when your value is overlooked, or your boss seems indifferent to your contributions. A good boss knows the motivating power of recognition and should acknowledge you both one-on-one and in group settings.
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In this article, we look at why being taken advantage of at work happens, and most importantly, how you can improve things. It’s all about fostering a work culture where everyone’s effort is seen, boundaries are respected, and we can all feel part of a team.
Why Do Hard Workers Get Taken Advantage Of?
Being taken advantage of at work can be due to a combination of factors related to workplace dynamics, management practices, and sometimes even the employees’ personal traits. Does it feel like the better you are at your job, the more you’re relied on – but without the accompanying recognition or benefits. Here’s a breakdown of why this tends to happen if you’re a hard worker:
- High reliability and consistency: As a hard worker, you’re typically reliable and consistently deliver good results. This can lead managers and colleagues to over-rely on you, assuming you can handle extra tasks or tighter deadlines.
- Management’s misconceptions: Sometimes, management may believe you require less support or recognition. They might assume that you’re self-motivated enough not to need regular praise or rewards, leading to your efforts being taken for granted.
- Workplace culture: In some workplaces, there’s a culture of pushing employees to their limits. In such environments, you may be particularly vulnerable as your high output is seen as a resource to be maximized rather than a strength to be nurtured with balance.
- Personality traits: You likely have personality traits such as conscientiousness, diligence, and a desire to please or be perceived positively. This can make you a target for being taken advantage of by poor managers, as they may think you’ll be less likely to complain or push back.
5 Signs That Your Employer is Taking Advantage of You
Recognizing the following signs is the first step in addressing the issue. Then, it’s essential to communicate your concerns to your supervisor or HR department and seek to establish clearer boundaries and expectations. Here are five indications that you’re being taken advantage of at work to be aware of:
1. You’re Consistently Working Overtime
When managers are short-staffed and can’t hire more employees, they often lean on their direct reports and squeeze them for time. If work is regularly encroaching on your nights and weekends, it’s up to you to reclaim those hours.
There are a couple exceptions. If you’re in an industry where people tend to work long days, like finance or construction, you’ll need to adjust your expectations. Or if you’re being paid for the overtime, you’re getting a fair shake. But if neither applies, address the issue directly.
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Your move: Have an honest conversation with your boss but remember that framing is crucial. Set up a meeting, and let them know that all the extra hours (and lack of compensation) are wearing you down, and you fear you’re nearing employee burnout.
Explain that you want to be a team player and care about your job but that you’re feeling overwhelmed and worried that you’re unable to deliver at the peak of your abilities. Explain how burnout can be a threat to a company’s bottom line, and you’re likely to get some attention.
2. You’re Playing Personal Assistant
Unless you were hired for an administrative position, the bulk of your time should be spent on something other than fetching your boss coffee or picking up dry cleaning. Being taken advantage of at work in this manner is not what you signed up for. Instead, your goal is to focus on building your skills and getting the job done.
Your move: Tread carefully. Avoid saying, “This isn’t in my job description”. A better approach is to point out that your responsibilities have changed and ask whether the changes are permanent. For example, you could say:
- “I understand my responsibilities have shifted, so I’d like to talk about what I’m expected to do.”
Your manager may not even realize they’ve been asking you to run errands. If your manager wants you to continue to serve as a personal assistant, offer this solution:
- “I’m happy to help you out, but I’d love to focus my time on the other projects we have in the pipeline. Can we assign these errands to one of the interns?”
3. You’re Juggling 2 Jobs for the Price of 1
Are you constantly saying, “My job is too much for one person?” We hear you. It’s a common problem: A coworker gets fired or resigns, and you take over the person’s role – while continuing to do your own job as well.
But before you say anything to your boss, consider how long you’ll be handling the extra workload. If it’s just for a week or two, try to stick it out, but if it’s going to be long-term – or your boss doesn’t plan to hire a replacement – you’ll need to speak up.
Your move: If you don’t mind doing the additional work, you should still be compensated for it, so say to your boss:
- “I’ve been taking on these extra responsibilities and I’m happy to do so. However, how can we work together to adjust my income to match my new role?”
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If your boss says no raise is on the horizon, ask for help prioritizing your time so you don’t burn out, then ask how else you can be compensated for your extra work. If you’re met with a blank stare, you’re being taken advantage of for sure.
4. You’re Still Waiting on That Raise or Promotion
This is a classic example of being taken advantage of at work. If your manager repeatedly promises a pay bump or that promotion is around the corner but doesn’t deliver, you’re getting played. And if you wait to address the issue, you could be hurting your long-term earning potential since your next job offer will probably be based on your current salary.
Your move: Set parameters with your boss:
- “We’ve talked about me getting a raise. Do you know when it will come through?”
If you get a vague response, you might need to put on a little more pressure. For example:
- “I’m not interested in leaving, but since we both feel that I deserve this raise, I’d like to set a date for when I can expect it.”
The exception is if there is a company-wide freeze on raises, in which case your boss’ hands are tied (for the time being).
5. Your Boss Steals Recognition for Your Work
Have you had the misfortune of working for a “praise thief” – a manager who steals credit for your work or ideas? Reclaiming ownership will enable you to gain visibility within the company and ;make a good impression on the higher-ups, potentially leading to a job opportunity in another department (away from your boss).
Your move: Don’t go over your manager’s head, and remember there’s a chance your boss forgot that you came up with the idea. By politely reminding them that it was your idea, you’ll position yourself to receive recognition for future contributions. For example:
- “You make a great point, but I’d love to add one thing that I mentioned when I pitched this idea.”
Find an Employer Who Respects and Values You
Don’t wait around hoping your situation gets better. Being taken advantage of at work is enough to warrant a job search. Need help getting started? Simply create a free Monster profile to get the wheels turning. There are plenty of employers who will honor your contributions to the team and treat you with the respect you deserve.
Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: WHY
