Something bothers me and I need some assistance in how to go about it.

Anonymous

February 3,2022 at 3:00AM UTC

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Something bothers me and I need some assistance in how to go about it.

I work at an online retail company and I have been there for over a year now. In my time here, I have realized that promotion is not handed to you except you request it.

I try to avoid office gossip mostly because sometimes, it can show just how discontented you are or should be at your work place.

In the past few months, I realized that someone at the company hired after me was offered a higher hourly pay. I tried to move on and wait till appraisal period to make my case for a promotion.

Also, they bumped my title at work, doing the same thing some other people who had higher positions we’re doing but they never bumped the pay. Even though everyone now does the same thing and have the same KPIs.

Appraisal happened a few weeks ago and I didn’t fail in pointing out how I believe my work matters which is why I do my very best.

Today, it came to me that supervisors are playing favorites and choosing people for special projects even when there are senior staff with the higher productivity record. I tell myself it is time to leave the company because I don’t want to cause any negativity by making waves or responding to negativity whatsoever.

A part of me also wants to go to a manager and let them know how I feel about the job, politely of course. I need a little help because I believe I am not the first to go through this. What do you think?

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Regina BrownFebruary 3,2022 at 4:26AM UTC
Because your managers "play favorites", it may be a good idea to find another job. In your resignation, ensure that you politely let your managers know WHY you are leaving and the talent they are losing or the hidden talent they are not using due to the non-use of resources they have in the midst.
AnonymousFebruary 3,2022 at 3:20PM UTC
While yes you can find another job, I think it's worth trying to combat the issue first to see if you can make any headway. One of the best pieces of advice I've received on this topic is to state the facts — meaning you pull examples of the impact of your work to support your case rather than trying to make a persuasive argument. Let us know how it goes!!
AnonymousFebruary 4,2022 at 2:49PM UTC
One of my former managers told me to document every accomplishment on a weekly basis and keep it to use during performance reviews. I also save emails and documents from other colleagues who support my work. It has been extremely a helpful practice.
AnonymousFebruary 4,2022 at 3:16PM UTC
Unfortunately I've found that I don't get promotions or raises unless I "make waves". The squeaky wheel gets the oil in my experience. I spent 15 years working my tush off, waiting to be promoted, thinking that my hard work was proof enough for management to offer it to me. They will never offer it to you. You have to advocate for yourself and absolutely bring up how you're feeling (in a respectful and professional way) or they will pass you by everytime. And you have to remain persistent. Don't let them string you along. If it's bad enough look for new opportunities and when you get a better offer bring it to your manager and tell them they need to beat it or you're leaving. And reframe how you're thinking about "making waves". It's not "making waves" to advocate for yourself. It's not "making waves" to be direct about what you want. You ARE worth it. You just have to believe it.
Jenny Cox, PHRFebruary 4,2022 at 5:28PM UTC
I've found that you are your best advocate. So, as others have mentioned, it's good to make a list of accomplishments and things you have excelled in. It's also equally important to make a list of what value you would bring to your company if promoted. What would you do if you were given more money and responsibility? How would it benefit them?
I advise you talk to your manager, but not about these rumors. Rather, schedule time to share the things from your lists. Ask them what they think you could do to be better positioned for a higher paying job if they can't pay you more now.
And ask for opportunities to be part of special projects. Don't wait for them to pick you. Maybe they don't know you want to be given those chances? Some less senior employees will be selected for certain projects likely because they do good work, show up and put forth their best effort every day, and NOT because they are "favorites".
In my experience, people seen as favorites are often just some of the top performers. Watch those people, learn from those people and do your best to block out the noise from negative gossip.
Audrey KirschFebruary 4,2022 at 11:37PM UTC
The lower performers getting special projects may not be 'favorites' but better at self promotion. Saying you value your work and work your best in your appraisal just showed a good employee. You need to toot your own horn and let them know why you are outstanding and deserve more. Talk to a manager and tell them you are disappointed by lack of advancement that you feel you deserve.