Despite Performing Well, You’re Still Not Promoted. Here’s Why That Happens

It’s frustrating to stay in a job that doesn’t seem to have any plans of growth for you. This is especially true when you’ve been with a company for so long that you’ll wonder why a promotion hasn’t come your way yet. Is it the manager’s fault? Am I not deserving?

If not, why am I still not fired? A lot of questions start buzzing in our heads, ultimately doubting ourselves if we really are worth it. However, your tenure at your workplace is not the sole factor bosses think of in giving promotions.

This is a common misconception. Just because you’ve been with a company for so long doesn’t mean you are qualified for a promotion, which is quite worrying. But there are deeper reasons managers don’t just thrust a worker under their supervision to a higher position:

Just Doing Their Job

When we are hired, we always do what is asked and expected of us. A graphic designer recalled that an employee that is never late and does his job expected a promotion.

While the boss is happy that the person performs his work well and is satisfied with his service, his effort pales in comparison to other workers, who go out of their way to go above and beyond.

Some workers just come to the office to do exactly what they’re told

This might be what’s lacking from you. Yes, we are hired to do what the job description told us but bosses also account for the things that are not expected of you but you still strive to do. It is not expected of everybody but working harder will make you stand out from the rest.

Being Reactive

Back Office Betties CEO Emily LaRusch opened up about an employee who wanted to be promoted. This team member is specifically negative in group conversations and, more importantly, others’ performance far outweighs hers. While the worker has the potential to score a higher position, it is her reactive perspective that’s hindering her promotion.

Supervisors aren’t a fan of the reactive approach

In this case, being proactive is your better approach. Instead of complaining of how boring your current role is in a bid to subtly tell your supervisor that you want something new, why not try to think of what’s needed to be accomplished in order to achieve your goal?

Managers are ultimately turned off if you show disinterest in your current position and you may end up doing what you’re doing for a long time.

Fear of Burnout

A manager who thinks about the well-being of their employees will put their mental health first. A landscape artist recalled someone who she promoted after seeing how dedicated the person is into the work. The boss said this worker gave her all-out, pouring her energy into what she does.

However, the manager noted how this became a problem, too – the employee became fixated in doing her job so well that she’s on the edge of burnout.

Burnout is a common workplace dilemma

The boss said she constantly had to talk to the employee to calm her down and remind her to take it easy. Sometimes, managers tend to delay or refuse to give us promotion because they are afraid that we may burn ourselves out, especially if we have a track record of beating ourselves out.