Signs Your Workplace Doesn’t Value You

1. They Tell You...

Image source / WordPress.comCruel as it is, some employers don’t pull any punches and will tell you outright that you're not indispensable and they could replace you tomorrow if they wanted.  Call me old fashioned, but this is more than a huge clue that you are not valued at that company.

2. You Do The SAME Repetitive Tasks - day after day...

Image source / The Odyssey OnlineIf you have worked for the same company for a good length of time, you would expect to learn new things and grow your knowledge within the business.  However, if you find yourself carrying out the same tasks, your brain will go to sleep and you will have no motivation.  Your manager will know this but choose to ignore it.  Shows you're not appreciated.

3. How Dare You Come Up With Ideas - they fall on deaf ears

Image source / Know Your MemeWhen you come up with new ideas and suggestions to improve something within a company, you would expect to be listened to by those in charge.  If they aren't sure or say they will get back to you when they've thought about it, fair enough - but if they tell you they're too busy and to get on with your work, it's not a good sign.

4. They Keep You In The Dark - what's going on?

Image source / The Wall Street JournalIf the leaders you work for don't have time to keep you in the loop with the organization's plans for progress or discuss any obstacles in the way, that doesn't say a lot for your career path.  Everyone should be working as a team but it looks like you're being left out in the cold.

5. Never Get Thanked - it's one word that speaks volumes

Image source / RedditIf you're appreciated in the workplace and make a positive impact during the day, whether it's signing off a deal, dealing with an angry customer or organising a new spread sheet, a simple 'thank you' would be both polite and make you feel like you've made a difference.  If you don't hear it, think about why not - are you undervalued?

6. No Feedback - how do you know if you've done good or bad?

Image source / Make a MemeRegardless of the type of organisation you are working for, regular feedback is really important.  If it's positive, it will keep you motivated and even if it's constructive criticism, you know which direction to take.  Hearing nothing from your superiors, either way, leaves you in limbo land.  Don't they care about you - appears not.

7. Results  - before feelings

Image source / BBCWhile results are critical to running a sustainable business, when a company absorbs itself in just numbers, these results come at the team’s expense.  If you are asked to reach a certain goal, no matter what, human feelings go out of the window and it can make you feel worthless.

8. Unclear Roles - what is expected?

Image source / The Mary SueWhen an employee knows their role and what their job entails, it gives them a clear image of expectations and what counts as success or failure.  If you are given additional tasks to an already full workload, with no extra remuneration, then this is a clear sign of your workplace not valuing you.

9. Holding Another Meeting - after you were in the first one

Image source / Errol ParkHow bad must you feel when you're involved in a works meeting and decisions are agreed upon, maybe partly due to your input?  You go back to your desk, only to find the discussion is continuing without you.  Besides it being incredibly rude and unprofessional, looks like your opinions don't count, after all.

10. Being Super Efficient - finishing off other staff's jobs

Image source / PinterestWhen you are really conscientious, you knuckle down to get your work done as quickly as you can, even forsaking a lunch break, if necessary.  There is not gratification from those above you for your efforts, just a request to finish off a lazier person's task, when they've been going at a snail's pace.  This a sign your dedication means naff all!

11. Office Gossip  - is it about you?

Image source / NBCIt is hurtful and also a bullying tactic when the office are engaging in a gossip fest.  Your boss is joining in, as does almost everyone else, except you - because they need someone to man the phone lines.  Have you been singled out for a reason or is the chat about you?  Seems like there's not much respect going on there.

12. Your Ideas - someone else takes the glory

Image source / The New YorkerThere's nothing worse, in the workplace, when your ideas come to fruition but someone else takes all the credit, to make themselves look better.  Even if you point out the error of their ways, they would shut you down and deny your allegation.  Looks like they are top dog and you are their rubber ball on the floor, expected to bounce back from the deceit.  How undervalued does that make you feel?

13. Regularly Blamed For Others Mistakes - how low can you go?

Image source / PinterestIf you are working in the retail trade, it's imperative that the day's takings tally up.  When they don't, there will always be whispers about who is at fault.  Even if you knew who was to blame, you would be tactful or treat it as a group error, as long as it is sorted.  If you, unfortunately, made the mistake, there's already a queue waiting to tell on you.  Do they think you are void of feelings?  Talk about not being valued!

14. The Boss Has A Favourite - and it's not you

Image source / CNBC If your boss has one or two favourites, treating them better than you, even though you all work to the same standard, you could be excused for feeling resentment.  Why can the others take extra long breaks or come into work late, when it's one rule for them and another for yourself?  They are being valued over you, for no reason.

15. No Support - how obvious can they make it?

Image source / RedditLack of support is one of the most obvious signs you are not valued at work. An employer is giving you inadequate mentoring, training, and resources, everything you need to grow.  They might be wanting to keep their investments low as they don't intend to nurture you.

16. Being Excluded - for no reason

Image source / The New York TimesYour gut never lies if it is telling you that employee appreciation isn’t in your boss’s vocabulary.  If you are experiencing repeated exclusions, lack of acknowledgment and general apathy, it sounds like it's not going to get any better.  Change jobs to where you are valued as both a person and a work colleague.

17. You Get Passed Over For Promotion - it keeps happening

Image source / lehighvalleylive.comAnother one of the top signs you are not valued at work is when your boss rejects you for a promotion, time and time again.  There is no logic behind it as you know you are doing a good job and have had a positive impact within the company.  Being regularly overlooked has to indicate your employer does not treasure you.

18. Work-Life Balance Doesn’t Exist - not for you, anyway

Image source / Business InsiderYour work-life balance doesn’t exist when your organization doesn’t respect you. You find yourself practically living at the office and you always end up filling in on the weekend and holiday rosters. It's always you that gets asked and if you refuse, you are seen as the bad person.  Listen out - you are not valued.

19. No Pay Rise - Your Rate Never Changes

Image source / Geeky HobbiesWhen organisations appreciate their workers, a pay increase, no matter how small, shows they appreciate you and it gives you an incentive to carry on as a hardworking member of the team.  When the subject of a few extra pounds is totally off limits, they can't value you and they don't even care.

20. You Don’t Receive Invites - it's done purposely

Image source / The Asian AgeExclusion is one of the most apparent signs that you are not valued at work.  Its equivalent, almost, to being given the silent treatment.  Your employer knows you work there but sees you as being too insignificant for inclusion.  Their low view of your worth is unacceptable.

21. Getting The Stepchild Assignments - not part of the family

Image source / RedditBeing part of the work family is key to a happy work life as a large chunk of the day is spent in the work place. If your bosses give you awful jobs to do but never asks the others, this imbalanced style of management can have a long lasting effect on your esteem. and make you feel as if you are under valued.

22. They Don’t Protect You - or defend you

Image source / Texas StandardThe law states that employers must protect their workers from specific incidents. Unsafe work conditions, violence and discrimination are some examples.  When you are unsupported, it can make you feel quite useless and upset, showing you aren't as important to the team as you thought.

23. Treated Like A Machine - no emotion involved

Image source / Amusing PlanetThe focus is on your output and how much you can accomplish in a day/week. It feels like a transaction as there is no human connection or emotion. Your boss is only measuring your value in how quick and efficient you are at completing a task.  Take heed and think about your own self worth.

24. Not Interested In You - as a person

Image source / Family GlobetrottersIf your boss doesn't take the slightest bit of interest in your life outside of work and is not at all willing to take into account your personal needs, you can assume you are undervalued in their eyes. For all they know, you could be going through a bad time, be a carer for a relative or any other manner of reasons.

25. Never Praised Publicly - why not?

Image source / Castro MarinaLet’s face it, financial compensation is probably the main reason we work, but other forms of compensation are important too. When your manager acknowledges you, both privately and in front of others, they're showing you that you are valuable.  When you never receive a pat on the back in public, it's not a good sign, going forward.

26. They Forget Your Name - that is the worst!

Image source / YouTubeUnless the company you work for is responsible for a hundred employees, the manager should at least know your name.  If they are familiar with all your colleagues names, just not yours, then, besides being really sad, you can pretty much guarantee you are not valued.

27. Your Body Talks - listen to it

Image source / RedditYour body is the final judge. If you're waking up, tired out, from interrupted sleep because you've been thinking about work, then get yourself out of the situation and improve your life by handing in your notice (once you've got something else lined up).  Just because your team leader undervalues you, don't assume all companies are the same as they aren't.

28. Zero Autonomy - can't be trusted

Image source / YouTubeIf you’re not trusted to get the job done without your manager always breathing down your neck, this isn't going to fill you with confidence.  If you need constant approval on every little thing you do, it may be a sign that your knowledge, skills and experience are undervalued in your current job.

29. Sick Leave Refused - or it's unpaid

Image source / PinterestOne of the worst ways that a company can undervalue you, as their employee, is to offer you paid time off if you are sick and then either look down at you for taking it or change their mind, giving an excuse that the firm can't afford to pay you if you are not there.

30. You're In Demand Elsewhere - they think you're bluffing

Image source / Yahoo SportsIf you tell your manager that you've been offered a position at another company and their response is why would anyone else employ you and they question if you are bluffing.  Even though you are an extremely hard worker, they don't value your skills as being attractive to another business.  That's the nod you need to leave - good luck!

31. They Complain If You Try To Book Time Off

Image Source / Bored PandaEmployees are entitled to vacations, and paid vacations at that. You're not doing a single thing wrong by booking time off, and the best bosses will know this and encourage you to take a break. But if your boss doesn't care about you, chances are they'll complain and pull their face if you're putting in a vacation request.

32. And Then They Disturb You During It

Image Source / Bright HorizonsIf that wasn't annoying enough, they then don't have enough respect for your vacation time to let you have it away from work. They might say 'You can have the time off but make sure you still check work emails in case I need something', or even try to call you during it.

33. They Never Ask For Your Input

Image Source / SuberbYour opinion is just never asked for. Whether it's about the smallest thing, the biggest thing or something relating to your specific job role, they don't think enough of you to even ask what you might think about something.

34. They Don't Provide You With The Resources You Need To Do Your Job

Image Source / RedditA workman is only as good as their tools, and if you're not being provided with what you need to successfully do your job, it can be detrimental to your performance. If you're not valued, you may not have even been given the time of day to get the items and resources you need to do your job properly.

35. They Don't Invest In You

Image Source / WikipediaA company that values its employees should always invest in them. They should want you to thrive, for your own benefit and for the company's, so things like further education, training and courses can be very helpful for long-term employees. If they don't invest in you and your future this way, chances are they don't care.

36. They Don't Let You Know The Outcome Of Things

Image Source / Inc MagazineWhen you're working hard at work, especially if you have a job that sees you working on a big project, it's always nice to know the outcome of something you've put time and effort into it. But if your company only wants you to do the work and doesn't care about letting you know if it was a success or not, it's a big hint they don't care enough to tell you.

37. You're Not Kept Up-To-Date With Company News

Image Source / Broker Systems SAEmployees should always be kept in the loop of what's happening in their company, and management should want to keep employees in the loop. So if you find that you're the last to hear about something, such as a big reshuffle, relocation or even a brand change, it means someone doesn't care to tell you.

38. The Only Time You're Involved In Something Is If It's Negative About You

Image Source / PinterestThis is a classic case of you never getting any feedback unless it's negative. It may be that you're always left out of anything positive and only ever asked to join in when it's the discussion of something negative or something that needs improvement.

39. You Just Know That Your Boss Doesn't Like You

Image Source / Business InsiderYou have to trust your gut, and sometimes you just know, deep down, that your boss doesn't like you. You just get that vibe and you feel that brick wall when you try to connect. And, of course, you don't have to like someone to respect and value them, but chances are with bad bosses, if they don't like you, they don't value you!

40. There's No Human Connection

Image Source / LiveChatIt's true that to some extent you have to keep personal issues at the door and be professional at work, but eliminating any connection as human beings and being made to work like a machine is a red flag. If there are never any questions about how you are, or anything about you as a person, and all it is is work work work, this is worrying.

41. You've Never Had Any Performance Reviews

Image Source / ForbesPerformance reviews are extremely important for employees to understand what they're doing right or wrong. Which is why, if a boss values you, they'll make time for regular performance reviews. If you've never had one, especially if you've been there a long time, it's a sign.

42. Trying To Make An Appointment With Your Boss Is Impossible

Image Source / True ExpressionSome people might take matters into their own hands if their boss isn't approaching them with feedback or reviews, which is of course encouraged, but if you're asking your boss for time to sit down with you or time for a chat and they're constantly saying they're busy, ignoring your emails or not getting back to you, it's a sign, too.

43. Your Requests Are Constantly Ignored

Image Source / TwitterIt doesn't matter what you're requesting - a new stapler, time for a review or time to discuss an important project - your requests are just always ignored. Nobody ever agrees to your requests, and might not even bother getting back to you to say yes or no.

44. You Don't Get Rewarded At Special Times Of The Year

Image Source / RedditMost companies will try to do something special at important times of the year for hardworking employees, such as a Christmas bonus or end-of-year gift. It's a key method of showing appreciation. So if you're getting zilch during important milestones, there's some lack of value there.

45. You're Constantly Caught Off Guard With Things

Image Source / TODAYIf management doesn't value you, they're not going to keep you updated about things, which a lot of the time will mean you're caught off guard. In worst cases it can make you look like a fool, such as a customer asking you something you should definitely know but was never told.

46. You Feel Like You're On-Call

Image Source / New York MagazineYou might have to constantly respond to messages or emails on your days off, such as evenings or weekends, or be asked last-minute to come in early, stay late or even cover whole shifts. A lack of respect means that management can take you for granted in this way.

47. Your Boss's Behaviour Has U-Turned

Image Source / RedditYour boss may have been really friendly and accommodating to you when you first started in the position. Maybe they just wanted to paint the company as a good one to work for. But now, they're suddenly not interested in checking if you're okay or not interested in being friendly.

48. Your Lunch Is Always Interrupted

Image Source / WIREDMost people will admit to taking their lunch at their desk - if they have one - or at the very least on work premises. But to a boss who doesn't appreciate you, that can mean to their mind that you're still working. They may interrupt your sandwich to ask you to do something or dump something on your desk. Or, just stand there your whole lunch telling you about something work-related.

49. Your Boss Wriggles Out Of Things By Acting Like The Good Guy

Image Source / RedditYour boss may not value you, but may want to palm the blame off on someone else. If you ask them for something, they may come up with excuses like 'Oh yes, I asked so-and-so but they haven't got back to me yet, I'm trying my best' and still never give you a straight answer.

50. You're Using Other People's Things

Image Source / PinterestJust like a younger sibling might get their older siblings hand-me-downs, you might find that you're working a job where nothing is really yours. You're still using someone else's email address because nobody has set one up for you yet, you have the old - faulty - computer that the person before you had, and you might even be perched on the end of someone else's desk because you haven't been given one.