Did you know that about one-third of employees feel undervalued at their job?
So before you assume you’re acting overly sensitive, keep in mind that you are far from alone.
Between co-workers, managers, and bosses, it’s easy to feel undervalued.
If you’re leaning in this direction, check out the signs you are not valued at work and what you can do about it.
What Are Some Signs You’re Not Valued at Work?
Here are some common signs that you are not valued at work.
1. They Say It Outright
Although lack of value often comes in subtle ways, some bosses and managers will outright tell you that you’re replaceable.
If that’s the case, they surely do not value your work and presence in their company.
2. You Are Passed Over for Promotions
Even as a good worker, you can assume you’re not ideal for every promotion opportunity.
But when promotion after promotion passes you by, it’s likely a sign that your company does not view you as a valuable team member.
3. They Don’t Offer You Support
Cold, uninterested corporations or bosses don’t invest time, money, or effort into their employees.
A lack of support, including communication and mentorship, can often indicate that you’re not a priority for them.
4. You Don’t Receive Feedback
Feedback, both negative and positive, is critical for the growth and development of any personnel.
Without feedback, how can you hope to improve?
If your boss has no interest in delivering feedback to you, it’s likely because they’re not interested.
5. You Feel Undervalued
If you’re feeling undervalued, there’s a good chance it’s because you are.
Healthy, caring, and thriving companies with happy workers ensure to let their personnel know how much they appreciate them.
6. Your Pay Never Increases
If you’ve shown a robust dedication to your job, have been there for at least a year, and have achieved specific goals, it’s safe to say you likely deserve a raise – even if it’s just a small one.
You’re likely unvalued if you’ve been at this job for an extended period without any pay increase.
7. You Feel Excluded
You may be feeling excluded in some way or another.
That might mean you get left out of meetings related to your work, or you don’t get asked to attend outside functions with your co-workers.
If these instances of exclusion become a pattern, it’s safe to say the people at your job don’t appreciate you.
8. They Don’t Protect You
There are many instances where your work should protect you.
Physical and mental dangers such as discrimination, harassment, workplace hazards, and unsafe conditions all fall under the company’s responsibility.
If your company ignores these things, they don’t favor you or your contributions.
9. You Get Small Assignments
Part of valuing employees is showing trust and respect for them.
An excellent way to demonstrate confidence and respect is by assigning impactful assignments.
If you feel like you’re still sitting at the kiddy table with several years of experience and expertise under your belt, you’re likely not valued.
Why It’s Important To Feel Valued at Work
So, you don’t feel valued at work.
Is it that big of a deal?
After all, most of us are typically counting down the minutes until we get to go home, anyway.
The truth is, it’s crucial to feel valued at your job, and here’s why.
1. Motivation
When someone recognizes your efforts, it motivates you to continue working hard and do better.
Without that motivation, your work can seem dull and pointless.
2. You Feel Safer
When you feel valued by someone, you know that they’re in your corner.
That person will defend and take care of you, and that’s an ideal trait to find in an employer.
3. Boosts Company Morale
Employees who feel valued and appreciated feel good.
And when you have a team of employees that feel good, the whole company feels good.
Who doesn’t want to work in a positive, happy work environment?
4. Better Performance
Feeling valued means all of the above: increased motivation, improved feelings of safety, and heightened company morale.
All of these lead to better performance.
Not only will you feel good about your work, but better performance may even lead to a promotion or pay raise.
5. More Satisfaction
Finally, feeling valued at work can leave you satisfied, accomplished, and fulfilled.
These feelings are critical to a well-rounded lifestyle, giving you a happier life at work and home.
Should You Quit if You Are Not Valued at Work?
Quitting your job is a huge consideration and deserves a lot of thought.
While you may feel good about standing up to your boss, those feelings may come crashing down later when you realize you have a mortgage to pay and no income.
Many people may consider quitting a reasonable solution to feeling undervalued at work, and they wouldn’t be wrong.
But it’s crucial that you weigh the pros and cons of the situation and ensure quitting won’t disrupt your and your family’s lifestyle and well-being.
At the same time, be sure that staying at your job doesn’t cause severe detriment to your mental health and happiness.
What Can You Do if You Don’t Feel Valued at Work?
If you’re feeling undervalued at work, all hope is not yet lost.
Try these suitable actions to address your feelings and work environment:
- Reflect on your expectations: are your expectations reasonable for your position?
- Ask for a trusted opinion: confide in a trusted co-worker or manager about your feelings.
- Speak to the boss: go directly to the source of your concerns; they may be unaware and willing to rectify the problem.
- Make sure they know your accomplishments: it’s not fair, but employees can easily get lost in the packed schedule of a large company. Make sure your higher-ups know your achievements.
- Value others: create the workspace you desire by promoting value in your immediate reach.
- Value yourself: motivation, happiness, and fulfillment in your job can come from within if you let it.
- Focus on small wins: celebrating small victories, like a positive comment in a meeting, can help you brush off more significant losses.
- Quit your job: when all else fails, quit. Data shows that feeling undervalued at work can negatively impact your mental and physical well-being.
How Do You Tell Your Boss You Don’t Feel Valued?
Because this is a personal feeling, discussing your value with your boss may be an awkward conversation.
The best thing you can do is go in prepared with what you want to say.
You might start by outlining what you think employee appreciation means.
If you’re unsure, here are a few key signs of appreciation:
- Fair pay
- Verbal recognition
- Positive feedback
- Opportunities for growth
From there, you can explain how you feel undervalued in those areas.
Be prepared to go over your specific contributions, along with any other concerns you have.
Be firm yet respectful, and come up with a few ideas as to how you might solve these issues.
Remember to listen to your boss’s response and remain composed.
How Do You Get Your Boss To Realize Your Worth?
Not everyone is in the position to quit, but as long as you’re an employee, you can take some steps to get the recognition you feel you deserve.
These four steps can guide you in that direction with your boss:
- Know your own worth.
- Figure out your purpose.
- Write down your successes.
- Ask for feedback.
Use these steps throughout your everyday work to emphasize your value to your boss.
Final Thoughts
If you see signs that you are not valued at work, it can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you view yourself as a dedicated and hard worker.
Know that there are steps you can take to improve the situation, but remember that it’s okay to quit if you feel that’s your only option left.
Have you ever felt unvalued at work?
Leave us a comment below and let us know some other signs that you’re being sabotaged at work.
