Worker Says They Did Extra Job But Didn't Get Promised Raise

An employee shared on Reddit that they took on extra work, including covering for their manager, but did not get the promotion they were promised. They feel this shows the company does not value them.
By Newsroom | Workplace Issues, Employee Rights |

A recent online account from an employee details a feeling of being exploited, claiming extra work and responsibilities were assigned without the promised career advancement. The employee's experience, shared on a public forum, highlights a disconnect between increased workload and actual recognition, raising questions about workplace loyalty and fair treatment.

An employee reported feeling "used" after taking on significant additional duties, including managing a role temporarily, without receiving the expected promotion.

'Felt being used': Employee shares being made to work more, promised promotion, but then... - 1

Background of the Situation

An employee recently shared an experience on the online platform Reddit that has drawn attention. The account details how, approximately six months prior to the post, the employee's manager went on parental leave.

  • The employee was subsequently placed in the manager's role to cover the absence.

  • Despite performing these expanded duties, which included working extra hours, the employee states they were not rewarded.

  • The promised promotion, which the employee understood would follow these efforts, did not materialize.

  • This led to feelings of being undervalued and a belief that the company lacked loyalty.

Workplace Transitions and Career Progression

Experiences of employees during times of transition within a company, such as acquisitions or leadership changes, can significantly impact job satisfaction and career trajectory.

'Felt being used': Employee shares being made to work more, promised promotion, but then... - 2

  • One article discusses how employees need "meaningful work" during periods of change, not prolonged waiting.

  • It notes that disappointment after a promotion isn't necessarily a sign of ingratitude or failure.

  • A manager shared feeling assigned tasks typical for an intern after a promotion, questioning if the advancement had become a burden.

  • This situation also highlights a scenario where an individual's original role was eliminated due to a company acquisition.

  • The individual expressed a desire for growth opportunities without being removed from tasks they performed well.

The Evolving Nature of Work and Skills

The workplace is undergoing changes, with technological advancements and new work models emerging. These shifts can influence employee expectations and career paths.

  • Some experts predict that the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) will increase the demand for workers capable of collaborating with and managing AI systems.

  • This evolving landscape suggests that employees who do not adapt and acquire new skills may face challenges in the job market.

  • In this context, an organization named Marsh McLennan is noted for using digital tools to improve staff well-being and productivity for a large number of employees.

  • The potential increase in productivity due to AI could, according to some, pave the way for a four-day workweek.

Employee Experiences with Promotions

The path to advancement is not always straightforward, and sometimes the reality of a new role can differ from expectations.

  • There are accounts of employees who received a promotion and a significant pay increase, only to find their previous role more suitable or preferable.

  • These situations can offer valuable management lessons, even if the immediate outcome is not what was anticipated.

  • A common theme is the importance of ensuring that increased responsibilities are met with appropriate recognition and that the work assigned in a new role is challenging and meaningful.

Expert Perspectives on Workplace Dynamics

Experts observe that employee morale and retention are closely tied to perceived fairness and opportunities for growth.

"Don't volunteer for any other work, don't work overtime and meanwhile find another job because this one does not value you."— Employee's reported advice on Reddit

  • The sentiment of being "used" often arises when there's a disparity between effort invested and rewards received.

  • Ensuring transparency in promotion processes and clearly defining expectations for both the employee and the employer are critical.

  • Organizations that prioritize employee development and recognize contributions tend to foster a more engaged and productive workforce.

Findings and Implications

The shared experience on Reddit suggests a potential issue with how increased responsibilities were handled and how career progression was communicated.

  • The employee's account, which gained traction online, points to a situation where additional work was undertaken with the understanding of a future promotion.

  • The lack of this promised advancement, coupled with the extra effort, resulted in feelings of being undervalued.

  • This scenario underscores the importance of clear communication, timely recognition, and consistent follow-through on career development promises within organizations.

  • While other articles touch on broader workplace changes, skill development, and the complexities of promotions, the core issue remains the individual's reported experience of being expected to perform at a higher level without commensurate reward.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened to the employee?
The employee took on extra work and covered for their manager but did not get the promotion that was promised to them.
Q: How did the employee feel?
The employee felt used and unvalued by the company. They also felt the company was not loyal to them.
Q: Where was this shared?
The employee shared their experience on the online platform Reddit.
Q: What is the advice given in the article?
The article suggests that if you feel unvalued, you should stop volunteering for extra work and overtime, and look for a new job.