Imagine yourself performing excellently at work, and your boss is extremely pleased with your results. They are so delighted that they ask you to take the lead. You are thrilled because this shows that your career is on track and you are advancing in your field.
Everyone is aware that promotions are difficult to obtain. Depending on the size of the company you work for, there might not be a formal career path to follow, and it might take a while to advance into a position of power.
But what if it turns out that your promotion was a “quiet promotion”? When you are asked to take on more duties without receiving additional compensation or recognition for example starting to manage a a bigger team or taking on more duties after a colleague resigns.
“Quiet promotion” is also a term used to describe a situation where high-performing employees are punished for their success by being given more work and responsibilities, instead of being recognised and rewarded for their contributions. This can lead to burnout and decreased job satisfaction, which is why employees need to be aware of the signs of quiet promotion and take steps to avoid it.
Regrettably, quiet promotions are common. A quiet promotion, defined as an increase in workload without a pay raise, was reported by 78% of surveyed employees, according to the employer review website Job Sage. Additionally, 67% of employees had additional work after a coworker left the company.
Quiet promotions, like quiet quitting***, are a troubling workforce trend that speaks to a lack of communication and leads to high turnover rates. To avoid quiet promotions in your company, select leaders carefully, delegate wisely, and establish clear roles and expectations.
Here are some tips to help you avoid being quietly promoted:
- 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 the 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 that 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 how you feel. Share your intent for having the conversation and be clear on your 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.
In conclusion, avoiding quiet promotion requires a combination of proactive steps, effective communication, and the ability to manage your workload and negotiate for recognition and rewards. By taking these steps, high-performing employees can ensure that their hard work is acknowledged and rewarded, and that they are not punished for their success.
*** Quiet quitting is a situation where an employee purposefully does the bare minimum required for their jobs, not extending any additional time or resources or go beyond their duties for the benefit of the company they work for.
