You are on top of your game at work – performing well, your boss is thrilled with your results – and then, you are asked to take the lead.
This is it, you think, you are climbing the career ladder and achieving your work life goals. Until, you realise that it’s a “quiet promotion”… you take on more work and responsibilities without a pay raise or an official position promotion.
High-performing employees being punished for their success by being given more work and responsibilities, instead of being recognised and rewarded for their contributions – that’s a “quiet promotion”. This troubling trend can lead to burnout, decreased job satisfaction and poor life/work balance.
To avoid falling into this trap, we asked Anja van Beek, Agile Talent Strategist, Leadership & HR Expert and Executive Coach, to share some tips on how to go about taking on more work and being rewarded for it accordingly:
Communicate your expectations
Make sure that your manager knows what you expect in terms of recognition and rewards for the additional work you have taken on and your hard work. Be clear about your career goals and what you hope to achieve in your current role.
Manage your workload
Keep track of your responsibilities and make sure you are not taking on too much work. Be mindful of when you are being asked to take on additional projects and assess whether you have the capacity to do so.
Negotiate for recognition and rewards
When you are offered additional responsibilities, negotiate for recognition and rewards that are corresponding with the additional work you will be doing. This could include a title change, a raise, or other benefits.
Seek out mentorship and support
Find a mentor or support network that can help you navigate the complexities of your job and provide advice on how to avoid being quietly promoted.
Speak up
If you are being quietly promoted, it is important to speak up and let your manager know your intent and expectations. Explain the impact that the additional work is having on your performance and well-being, and work with your manager to find a solution that is fair and sustainable.
