DEAR READERS: I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard people say they don’t feel they’re appreciated at work and don’t feel they’re getting the recognition they deserve. Short of looking for a new job, how can someone in that position express their disappointment or frustration without sounding like they’re just whining because things aren’t going the way they want?
According to Chris Brinkman, district president of Robert Half in Chicago, employee recognition is something that both workers and employers are paying more attention to these days.
“With the low unemployment rate and talent shortage, workers have more job options and employees who don’t feel valued may leave for greener pastures,” Brinkman reports.
So, what can you do if you generally like your job but aren’t getting the recognition you deserve?
“First and foremost, don’t complain about the lack of acknowledgement to your boss or colleagues. It won’t improve the situation or make your boss take notice,” Brinkman says. “Instead, focus on showing your boss the excellent work you’re doing and demonstrating how valuable you are to the company.”
To do that, Brinkman offers these tips:
— Provide weekly project updates to your manager. “Be specific when describing your accomplishments and business results,” Brinkman advises.
— Call attention to group successes. You can do this by sending an email recognizing those who helped and copying relevant managers.
— Keep a folder of professional highlights. These could include any emails you’ve received that praise your work, as well as complimentary notes from managers. “Use this information during performance reviews to showcase your achievements,” Brinkman suggests.
— Share ideas and propose solutions during meetings. As Brinkman notes, taking those steps will help reduce the possibility of coworkers taking credit for your ideas and demonstrate engagement.
— Take the assignments nobody wants.
— Offer to help teammates.
— Join a committee at work to help with projects outside of your normal responsibilities.
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— Get to know people you don’t normally work with. Brinkman says it’s a good idea to introduce yourself to people you might not know, ask about their responsibilities, and inquire about upcoming projects where you might be able to help.
“Additionally, let your manager know what rewards are the most important to you,” says Brinkman, who notes that workers want to be recognized in several ways, according to a recent Robert Half survey: money (55%); promotion (16%); praise from their manager (14%); extra time off (13%); and a recognition lunch or dinner (2%).
“Take advantage of performance appraisals and other meetings to share your recognition preferences — [and] if your manager gives a reward you like, mention how meaningful it is,” Brinkman concludes. “Be sensitive to business conditions, as budget limitations may mean that you’ll have to wait to receive a promotion or other preferred rewards. However, if you lay the groundwork now, you’ll be in a stronger position to get what you want — and deserve — when conditions improve.”
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(Kathleen Furore is a Chicago-based writer and editor who has covered personal finance and other business-related topics for a variety of trade and consumer publications. You can email her your career questions at [email protected].)
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