How to Deal With a Lack of Recognition at Work

You go the extra mile, are consistently productive, and always reliable. You are every company's dream employee, and yet, you feel like your efforts are going unnoticed. In today's competitive professional world, it's easy to get discouraged or feel anxious by the lack of recognition at work. You don't want to resign because, again, it's hard out there. So what to do about it? 

To help you navigate this delicate situation, we've put together some strategies on how to deal with lack of recognition at work. But first, let's understand what recognition really means.

What is recognition at work

This can vary from person to person. You may be satisfied with direct verbal praise, while others prefer public acknowledgement. If you're part of the second group, receiving 1:1 feedback might not be enough for you—and vice versa.

There are also different types of recognition that managers can give to their employees. It can go from written notes to monetary compensation, like bonuses. Having this information can help you assess the possibilities you might be missing.

Recognition at work: Examples

• Written recognition: It's usually done through thank-you notes and emails highlighting your accomplishments.

• Verbal recognition: It can be done at 1:1 or group meetings, in which the manager offers positive feedback.

• Reward programs: Some companies will recognize exceptional workers by offering incentives such as gift cards, extra time off, or bonus programs.

• Employer of the Month: When employees' accomplishments are displayed to the whole company every month.

• Monetary incentives: It can include a raise, a profit percentage, or a fixed bonus based on performance.

In addition to that, some companies will offer team celebrations like dinners, lunches, or even parties to the whole team when a certain milestone is reached.

A Bonusly survey showed that 35% of American workers would appreciate being recognized in the form of perks, recognition programs, or bonuses, while 30% would like professional development, or wellness stipends.

Signs you're not being recognized at work

“One of the biggest signs you're not being recognized at work is being given more responsibilities without a title change or additional compensation,” says Muse career coach Yolanda M. Owens. 

This should go without saying, but when a good employer is rewarded with more responsibility, they should also benefit—not just the company. “In an era of continuous downsizing and rightsizing, ‘doing more with less’ and ‘other duties as assigned’ are the new definitions of productivity that justifies and normalizes overworking and underpaying,” says Owens.

And the list doesn't stop there. Look out for these key signs that you might not be getting the recognition you deserve:

Constant criticism

Do you have a manager who's always complaining about something? This is a heavy sign that your good work is getting overlooked. 

“Having management that only criticizes what needs to be fixed and never praises what’s been done well. Individuals understand the need for continuous improvement, but if someone feels as if nothing they do is right, then their efforts feel countless,” says Owens.

Unclear expectations

If your leadership is all over the place and you feel like you can never reach their goals, this is also a sign of lack of recognition at work. 

“When the goal post is constantly moving, or the requests are continually outside of the realm of reason, ethics or resources, it’s hard to feel valued, appreciated, productive, or purposeful,” Owens says.

What are the effects of lack of recognition at work?

“Quiet quitting has been the most discussed effect of lack of employee recognition,” says Owens. When you're not being recognized at work, it's only natural to lose motivation, and start to perform less and less. “Giving just the bare minimum is the result of employees being asked to bring their A games only to be rewarded with sucker punches instead of love pats.”

Sometimes, work can be like a relationship. If you're always giving your best but receiving nothing back, it's easy to lose passion and respond in kind. “Employees are returning the energy they’re getting from their employers to feel a sense of control in their jobs and self-worth,” she adds.

How to deal with lack of recognition at work

If you related to what we've said up to now, here's some advice about what to do when you don't get recognition at work. Luckily, there are many practical ways to handle this kind of situation—especially if you like your job and don't want to quit.

1. Actively ask for feedback

When it comes to getting your work recognized, you don't have to be passive. It's OK to ask for feedback. You can introduce the conversation over email, and offer to schedule a 1:1 meeting when it's convenient. Let them know you're aiming for a more engaging dynamic, where you can openly discuss the ups and downs of your job.

2. Showcase your good work

Have you ever considered that your work may not be recognized because it's not actually being seen? In big companies with large teams, it's easy for your projects to get overlooked amidst other things. 

To avoid that, find a strategic way to showcase your work and highlight accomplishments to the people in charge. You can practice being more vocal at team meetings, or presenting relevant achievements directly to your manager on a regular basis.

3. Document your accomplishments

This one perfectly compliments #2: Document your accomplishments and be ready to display them whenever you have a chance. If you want to get recognized—and who wouldn't want that?—it's crucial to have something tangible to showcase to your leadership. 

You can use spreadsheets, written documentation, and even visual proof to demonstrate your achievements. For example, the website you manage is getting more page views? Create a graphic. You acquired a new client? Get their written feedback and screenshot it.

4. Appreciate your colleagues

If your company doesn't have a culture of recognition, do what you can. Take advantage of team meetings, Slack or Microsoft Teams group chats, and even group emails to appreciate your colleagues' work. It can surely spark a new dynamic at work, leading to a more fulfilling environment for yourself and others.

5. Seek fulfillment outside work

Speaking of fulfillment, don't base your entire sense of self-worth at your job. “Employees may need to find sources outside of work to maintain a sense of purpose and control for their professional development,” says Owens.

We understand that having an amazing career is a major goal to a lot of people, but it cannot be the only thing that brings you joy. Otherwise, if you don't get recognized at work, your self-esteem is going to suffer. Our advice is to invest in a hobby such as painting, gardening, knitting, or even going to the gym regularly—whatever works for you. 

6. Evaluate your expectations

Nobody likes to hear that they are being unrealistic, yet sometimes that is the case. Maybe you're expecting too much praise. Maybe you're looking for a salary raise when your company is really struggling financially. So, take a moment to reflect on yourself and evaluate whether your expectations align with your efforts and the current environment. 

8. Consider finding a new position

If you've tried everything and are still frustrated with the lack of recognition at work, it might be time to look for a new job. For Owens, “when you feel you’ve hit your ceiling of growth development or tolerance”, you should consider jumping off the ship. 

Some employees may find better opportunities within the same company, while others may need to start their job search from scratch. When interviewing, make sure to ask about company policies, career development plans, and how they usually provide feedback, so you don't get stuck in the same position again.