It can be very exhaustive to continue doing work with the same vigour when you feel that your work is not being appreciated. When you have stayed up late for a project deadline, your colleague stole the credit. When your idea fetched the team a new client, someone else got the limelight. If you feel that these occurrences have made work unsatisfactory, then what should you do to feel more valued at work?
Here’s what works to get the right due at your job.
Analyse The Situation Objectively
Firstly, you should consider whether this feeling of being undervalued at work is objective or not. Is it that your personal insecurities are translating into dissatisfaction at work? Does the team or work culture actually acknowledge every member’s contribution? Some workplaces have such a cohesive culture that individual contributions are celebrated as team efforts. If your workplace is such, then it would be misplaced to expect personal commendations. So, you need to see whether the feeling of being undervalued is real or just your perception.
Ruchi Doshi, Account Manager at SRV Media, says, “Objectively asses your value to the organisation, and involve yourself vital tasks. Communicate with the team, and find gaps that need to be filled. Also keep the boss in the loop about your milestones and achievements at work.”
Speak To The Boss
If you feel that the above analyses show that you are right in feeling undervalued, then speak to the boss. Engage the boss in a conversation in a way that is not a direct demand for appreciation. Instead, speak to them about what are your areas of strength and where you can improve your performance. This is also a good way to translate namesake appreciation into a genuine process of growth. Honest and open conversations with the boss are one of the best ways to get some valuable lessons at work.
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Appreciation Is A Two-Way Street
Learn to appreciate the contributions others make to the team. When you start building in a culture of commendation in your team, eventually you too will start feeling more valued for your work. There is no need to send extensive Thank You notes, but just taking a few seconds to recognise a team member’s special efforts can help to bring a new culture into the team.
If these approaches still don’t work, and you feel that the work has become a thankless job, then you would have to consider moving on. But feeling valued at a job depends on you as much as those around you at work.
