Despite the fact that workers across all industries have gone above and beyond in these challenging times, many say they feel underappreciated. It was shocking to learn from a recent Workhuman report that 49% of those polled had not even received a “thank you” from their boss during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Feeling Unappreciated (but Know You’re Killin’ It?) Here’s What to Do about It
Why it’s important to feel appreciated at work
Being appreciated at work can be advantageous for both you and your company. You may feel more secure in your position and less concerned about job security or being underappreciated when your work is valued. At work, you may personally experience a sense of belonging, which may improve your attitude and the morale of the business. Employees’ energy levels and output can increase when they feel like their contributions matter, which can lower stress and anxiety.
Feeling appreciated can also motivate employees to perform better. To motivate employees to work hard and increase productivity, positive reinforcement can be more effective than other incentives like bonuses. All employees benefit from working in a positive environment where they feel engaged and satisfied in their roles.
What does it mean to feel unappreciated at work?
When you feel undervalued at work, your coworkers or managers may not be aware of your accomplishments. Despite the fact that the outcomes are positive, you feel as though your efforts and accomplishments are overlooked. Some signs that you are unappreciated at work include:
Ways to address feeling unappreciated at work
Here are some strategies for coping with a lack of appreciation at work:
Evaluate your expectations
Evaluate the expectations you have for your peers and supervisors. Make sure the amount of praise you hope to receive is realistic. The absence of positive feedback might simply be a result of people being busy or having different expectations, as opposed to being done intentionally to you. For instance, even if your boss doesn’t express it explicitly, if they give you a major project, it usually means that they believe in you and value your work.
Observe your coworkers
Notice if your coworkers receive recognition and how often. This can assist you in determining whether you are being overlooked or whether it is unusual for anyone to receive praise. Take note of how managers respond to remarks and suggestions made in meetings, following presentations, and on email or messaging threads.
Ask for a trusted opinion
Ask a dependable coworker if they perceive you as being undervalued. They might have insightful, unbiased insight that will allow you to process your emotions less emotionally.
Speak with your boss
Request a meeting with your boss to discuss your feelings. Instead of blaming your manager for unfair treatment, request a performance evaluation. Explain that without regular feedback, it’s difficult to determine how you’re doing. Bring a list of your most recent projects or successes, as well as instances where your boss’s praise would validate your approach and performance for upcoming tasks.
Make sure others know your contributions
If your managers are unaware of your contributions, they won’t appreciate you. You want to make sure that your managers truly and thoughtfully recognize your value. It’s acceptable to sign your name to any work-related presentations and assignments. You could also send your manager a brief email to express your gratitude for the chance to work on such a significant project.
Start appreciating others
The changes you want to see in your workplace can be led by you. When you sincerely congratulate your coworkers and managers on a job well done, you’ll frequently get praise in return. When working on a group project, be sure to credit everyone. When your department achieves a goal, be sure to take the time to thank everyone. You can also include more general gestures of goodwill and support, like bringing coffee or bagels for your team or asking your human resources department to arrange dinner when your department has late shifts.
Validate yourself
Be proud of your work and confident in your abilities. Intrinsic motivators are much more powerful. At the conclusion of each week or month, think about making a list of the aspects of your work that are important to you, such as a significant presentation. Find aspects of your work that you enjoy and add value to it, such as how it affects others, your relationships with coworkers, or the flexibility of your schedule that allows you to spend time with your family.
Focus on small wins
Focus on the small victories you experience every day to boost your self-assurance and drive, such as completing the first page of a report you’ve been putting off, or being punctual every day for a month. Even if you aren’t getting external validation, celebrating small victories can help you stay engaged and motivated every day.
Exercise before work
Exercise has a variety of personal advantages that can help at work, such as:
Find something new
If you still feel underappreciated at work after putting these strategies into practice, you might think about looking for a new position. Prioritize workplace culture and company values. Ask questions about the working relationships between managers and employees, the value of positive reinforcement, and the company’s evaluation processes during your interviews. Additionally, you can ask to speak with other staff members to get their perspectives.
FAQ
What do you do when you feel unappreciated at work?
- Recognize Your Value. …
- Learn How To Set Boundaries. …
- Reframe Negative Thoughts. …
- Look For Underlying Signs Of Appreciation. …
- Show Appreciation For Others. …
- Ask For What You Need. …
- Lean On Your Support Team. …
- Take Time For Yourself.
How do you know if you are unappreciated at work?
- Your boss or coworkers take credit for your work. …
- You don’t get paid fairly. …
- You feel like nobody notices you. …
- You get interrupted in meetings. …
- You feel uninspired. …
- You got passed over for a promotion.
What do you say to your boss when you feel unappreciated?
- Assess the overall culture. …
- Make a list of your contributions. …
- Ask to meet with your manager. …
- Express your concerns. …
- Provide solutions. …
- Seek your manager’s perspective. …
- Advocate for yourself during reviews. …
- Your salary isn’t competitive.
How many employees feel unappreciated at work?
According to a recent survey, 63% of employees experience daily feelings of underappreciation from their employers. According to a recent survey of 2,000 Americans, all of whom have worked in some capacity over the past five years or are currently looking for a new job, this is the case.
