You're excelling at work, but feel undervalued. How can you ensure your worth is recognized in the workplace?

I've faced this challenge many times in my career. It's very important to document all special projects, initiatives, and job duties you have succeeded in that have made a difference in your workplace. If you feel you are not being recognized for your achievements, and hard work, submit your documentation to your manager during your 1 on 1 meetings, quarterly or yearly performance meetings, or anytime in between. Many times, raises and promotions are based off what you do above and beyond normal job duties, so always create projects for yourself to improve your performance. If you still feel like you aren't being recognized, keep working hard but update your resume and consider other companies. Know your worth.

Creo que como esta el mercado laboral hoy en día y como se pondra a futuro debemos valorar nuestra permanencia en las actividades que estemos desarrollando y veamos el mundo con otra perspectiva. No debemos sujetarnos ni a un buen salario ni a un buen ambiente laboral, porque su futuro no depende en gran medida de nuestro aporte. Debemos estar claros con los cambios que se producen a futuro y estar dispuestos asumir un papel de "camaleón" en el que debemos aprender y desaprender conceptos y procesos de manera rápida. Fijaros y encerrar la visión en temas de salario o clima laboral o perspectivas es no haber puesto a funcionar la visión periférica que nos hace mucha falta hoy. Nada es tuyo, nada es para siempre.

Make sure your 1:1 meetings with your manager happen. You need to know what they are measuring (some people track what they think is success but if the manager doesn't value that, you've wasted your time and energy). Set clear goals and agree them with your manager - then when you go to a review you have a clear case of achieving agreed upon targets. Always think about impact - how have I saved the organisation time, money or energy and how have I improved the bottom line, created efficiencies or improved the business in some way?

Tracking your success is the first step to ensuring your worth is recognized in the workplace. Maintain a detailed record of your achievements, projects, and contributions. Use metrics and KPIs to quantify your impact, such as improved employee retention rates, successful conflict resolutions, or efficiency improvements in HR processes. Document positive feedback from colleagues, managers, and clients. By having a comprehensive record of your accomplishments, you can present concrete evidence of your value during performance reviews or discussions about promotions, making it clear how you contribute to the organization's success.

Knowing your value is crucial for being recognized and appreciated at work. Conduct a self-assessment to understand your strengths, skills, and unique contributions to the organization. Compare your responsibilities and achievements with industry standards and benchmarks to gauge your worth accurately. Stay updated on market trends and salary ranges for your role to have a clear understanding of your market value. Being confident in your value allows you to advocate for yourself effectively and ensures you are prepared to justify your worth during discussions with management.

In a recessionary market where organisations are laying off people, it's pretty na?ve to ask for a payrise, even if you've done a great job. Top talent instead will have a conversation with their boss such as: 'I know the business is trying very hard to save as many jobs in this environment as possible. In a more 'normal' business environment, I would be asking for a payrise, as I feel I have achieved a lot in the past year such as xx and yy; however, it is more important that I am recognised for this work and I can continue to develop and that someone else gets to keep their job. Hopefully once the economic circumstances improve, I could be recognised for my contribution'. Do this and you become a legend!

Timing is key when it comes to ensuring your worth is recognized. Choose the right moment to discuss your contributions and seek recognition. Plan to have these conversations during performance reviews, after completing a significant project, or when the company is evaluating budgets and promotions. Avoid bringing up these discussions during high-stress periods or when your manager is preoccupied with other critical issues. By choosing an opportune time, you increase the likelihood of your achievements being acknowledged and your requests being taken seriously.

Always focus on how you can improve, what your manager needs to help the organisation's success and be grateful for the role. Walking in to a meeting like this with an aggressive mindset normally doesn't land well. Be non emotional and have clarity of thought. Seek reasons as to what you need to do to be recognised.

Articulating your value clearly is essential for recognition in the workplace. Prepare a compelling narrative that highlights your key achievements, contributions, and the impact of your work on the organization. Use specific examples and data to support your claims. Practice your pitch to ensure you communicate confidently and concisely. Be prepared to answer questions and provide additional details if needed. Clear articulation helps your manager understand your value and ensures that your contributions are not overlooked during performance evaluations or discussions about career advancement.

From my many years of HR experience in both private and public sectors, one thing to understand before you even go for salary negotiations is what Pay Policy is there: 1. Salaries are negotiated by employees, or 2. Salaries are already set per salary grade. Further: 1. Are salaries increased per individual based on performance, or 2. Salaries are increased across the board. In other words, check what applies in your company, do your research around in your industry, and ensure you prepare a good and convincing speech plus back it up with figures. Do not be emotional about it. All the best. Look also at promotions or leaving when the right time comes. [email protected]

Negotiating smartly is crucial for ensuring your worth is recognized and rewarded appropriately. Approach negotiations with a well-researched understanding of your market value, achievements, and the organization's needs. Present your case confidently, highlighting your contributions and the value you bring to the team. Be open to discussing various forms of recognition, such as salary increases, bonuses, additional responsibilities, or professional development opportunities. Listen to your manager's perspective and be willing to find a mutually beneficial solution. Smart negotiation ensures you are adequately compensated and appreciated for your work.

If no options work in your favour , you should always be ready with Plan B to achieve the desired outcome, some people might say its not advisable to think of Plan B , but before entering into any negotiation you should always have Plan B to switch. Sometimes, in haste of getting desired results , we might end up losing our current assignment as well.

Remember - the grass is often not greener on the other side! Don't make a hasty decision just because you didn't get a pay rise! Empathy (especially in the current market) for the organisation you are with is important - you might not get the pay rise you are looking for, but is there an opportunity to gain experience which will springboard you in the next salary review? Just like no person is perfect, neither is a business. You need to know what you are gaining from staying in your business and what you will gain from moving. Don't make hasty rash decisions!