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Five Indications That Your Workplace Is Abusing You
The initial step in resolving the problem is identifying the following indicators. After then, it’s critical to discuss your issues with your manager or the HR division and work to create more defined expectations and boundaries. Here are five signs that you may be being exploited at work that you should be aware of:
- You’re Always Putting in Extra Time
Managers frequently rely on their direct reports and put pressure on them for time when they are understaffed and unable to hire more workers. It is your responsibility to take back your weekends and evenings if work is constantly interfering with them.
A few are the exceptions. You should lower your expectations if you work in a field like finance or construction where employees frequently put in extended workdays. Alternatively, you’re receiving a fair shake if you’re getting compensated for the overtime. Conversely, if neither is true, deal with the problem head-on.
Your move: Be open and honest with your supervisor, but keep in mind that framing is important. Call a meeting and inform them that you feel like you’re on the verge of employee burnout from working so many extra hours without getting paid.
Tell them you’re feeling overburdened and concerned that you won’t be able to give your all at work, even though you want to be a team player and care about your work. If you explain to them how burnout might affect a company’s profitability, you’ll probably garner some attention.
- It’s Like You’re a Personal Assistant
You shouldn’t be spending the majority of your time getting your boss coffee or picking up dry cleaning unless you were employed for an administrative role. This kind of exploitation at work is not what you signed up for. Rather, your objective is to concentrate on honing your abilities and completing the task.
Your move: Proceed with caution. Saying “This isn’t part of my job description” is not appropriate. Making note of the changes in your obligations and inquiring as to whether they are permanent is a better course of action. As an illustration, you may say:
“I would like to discuss my expected responsibilities as I am aware that they have changed.”
You might not even be aware that your manager has been asking you to perform errands. Provide this remedy if your management requests that you carry on acting as their personal assistant:
“While I would be pleased to assist you, I would prefer to devote my attention to the other projects we are working on. Is it possible for us to delegate these errands to an intern?”
- You’re Trying to Do Two Jobs for the Cost of One
Does the phrase “My job is too much for one person” come up often for you? We are aware of you. This is a frequent issue: You take on a coworker’s role after they are fired or resign, all the while carrying out your own duties.
However, think about how long you’ll be able to handle the additional burden before you speak with your supervisor. Try to persevere if it’s just going to be for a week or two, but you’ll need to speak out if it’s going to be a long-term situation or your supervisor doesn’t intend to recruit a successor.
Your move: Tell your boss that even if you don’t mind putting in more effort, you should still get paid for it.
“I’ve been gladly assuming these additional obligations. But how can we collaborate to change my pay to reflect my new role?”
Ask for assistance in setting priorities so you don’t burn out, and if your manager says there won’t be a raise anytime soon, find out how else you can get paid for the additional work you’ve done. You’re definitely being taken advantage of if all you get is a blank stare.
- You’re Still Holding Out for That Promotion or Pay Increase
This is a prime illustration of being exploited at work. You’re being taken advantage of if your manager keeps promising you a raise or a promotion but never follows through. Additionally, given your next job offer will most likely be dependent on your existing wage, putting off taking care of the problem could affect your long-term earning potential.
Your move: Agree terms with your supervisor:
We’ve discussed my receiving a raise. Are you aware of when it will be received?
You may need to exert a bit more pressure if you receive a hazy response. As an illustration:
“We both think I deserve this rise, therefore even though I’m not interested in leaving, let’s establish a date for when I can receive it.”
The only exception is if raises are prohibited across the board, in which case your boss’s options are limited (at least initially).
- Your Supervisor Takes Credit for Your Work
Have you been unlucky enough to work for a management that takes credit for your ideas or effort as a “praise thief”? Regaining ownership can help you become more visible inside the organization and leave a positive impression on the executives, which may open up the possibility of a job chance in a different department (apart from your current one).
Your move: Be mindful that your employer might have forgotten that you came up with the concept, so avoid talking over his head. Reminding them nicely that it was your idea will put you in a position to be acknowledged for any further contributions you make. As an illustration:
“You make a great point, but I’d love to add one thing that I mentioned when I pitched this idea.”
Look for a Job Where Someone Values and Respects You
Don’t hold off in the hopes that things will improve. Finding a new employment is necessary if you’ve been taken advantage of at work. Do you need assistance getting started? To begin, just register for a free Monster profile. There are many companies out there that will value your contributions to the team and give you the consideration you merit.
