Surprise! You’ve Had a “Quiet Promotion”

If you’ve had your work responsibilities and/or workload increased, yet your title and compensation remained the same, then surprise…you’ve just had a “Quiet Promotion”.

The “Quiet Promotion” subject is yet another trend making its way around LinkedIn and the blogosphere. Essentially, it’s what it’s called when you take on more work and/or responsibilities (communicated to you or not) at your job, however your pay and title don’t change. This isn’t a new work issue – it’s probably been happening since the dawn of time – but it’s an issue that doesn’t get talked about a lot because it’s becoming increasingly common. In today’s info-rapid online world, this topic is getting plenty of face time as companies continue to squeeze profitability by reducing staff or not replacing staff who’s left, leaving the workload to fall on those remaining. And the staff…they don’t want to take it any longer.

Employers, if you find yourself doing this to your employees, please be aware that they know, and they are looking for ways to offset this, either by working less or caring less, or they’re looking for an exit. If business conditions prevent you from providing salary increases to compensate properly for the workload increase, then find alternative ways to make up for it. Ancillary benefits, like Aflac plans, increased PTO, early Fridays, larger annual bonuses, etc. are just a few thoughts. Either way, with an increase in the work-life balance demanded by employees, now is not the time for doling out “Quiet Promotions” to your staff.

Good Luck, and Happy Hunting!