More Responsibility at Work But No Promotion? Do This…

You’re the first to raise your hand for new responsibilities.

And the last to leave the office. But for some reason, you still aren’t getting promoted.

Sounds familiar? Getting more responsibility at work but no promotion can keep you underemployed. 

But there are steps you can take to address the situation with class. 

Here’s what to do about an increased workload but no raise.

Can an employer add more duties without compensation?

Yes, it’s legal for your employer to give you more duties without extra compensation. This is also known as a dry promotion.

A dry promotion is when a company gives you all the responsibilities of a higher title, without the extra compensation in return. 

An example of a dry promotion is an Administrative Assistant put in charge of leading an entire department without a salary increase. 

It might boost their ego but won’t put more money in their wallet.

What To Do About Getting More Responsibility At Work But No Promotion

Now that you know employers can increase your workload with no raise. Here’s what you can do to address it.

1. Address the Elephant in the Room

Don’t be afraid to speak up and address the situation with your supervisor. 

If you find yourself taking on more responsibility at work without a promotion. Say something. Start by requesting a meeting with your manager. 

Here’s an email template to request a meeting with your boss to discuss your promotion request.

Promotion Request Meeting Email Template
 

Hi (Name),
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for trusting me with (Enter New Responsibilities). And would like to set up a time to discuss these new responsibilities. Let me know your availability to chat in the coming weeks. 
I'm excited about the challenge and look forward to speaking with you.
 
Best,
Your Name

2. Make the Ask for a Promotion

Once you have a meeting scheduled, your next step is to gather as much data as possible to support your promotion request. 

This can include the industry standard salary for your role. And examples of areas where you’ve exceeded targets for your job.

Once you’ve presented your case, your boss might need time to review your request. If so, schedule a follow-up meeting or agree on a specific timeline to revisit your request.

If your promotion is approved, make sure it comes with an increase in salary, not just the title.

Don’t get distracted by other perks that don’t put money in your bank account. In other words, it’s all about the base. 

3. What to Do If Your Promotion Request Is Denied 

If your promotion request is denied, you’ll need to decide where your loyalty lies. Is it with your employer or growing your paycheck?

Whichever you decide is fine. If you decide to stick it out at your company, there are a few things you can do.

You can explore opportunities to make a lateral move. Or network to find promotion opportunities in other departments.

If you decide to move on, you can create an exit strategy and launch a job search. 

We’ll talk more about how to go about positioning yourself for your next role in the upcoming section. 

4. Promote your new responsibilities to your next employer

If you decide to take your talents elsewhere, part of your exit strategy should involve marketing your new responsibilities to potential employers. 

You can do this in several ways. You can attend industry events and promote your new responsibilities. 

Or be highly visible on social media and share updates about your latest projects. 

Lastly, you can update your resume and LinkedIn profile highlighting your new duties. 

5. Give Yourself the Title You Deserve 

If you’ve been put in charge of a large-scale project without a promotion. It’s time to give yourself the damn title you deserve.

Here’s how to go about it. Update your job title on your resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect the scope of work you’re doing. 

Use this formula to create a job title that reflects your actual duties. 

Your Title = Head of  [ Enter the Overall Theme of Your Responsibilities ]

For example, if you’re an Administrative Assistant that has been put in charge of the entire people operations of your department. 

Instead of “Administrative Assistant,”  go with “Head of People Operations” as your title. Because that’s exactly what you’re doing. 

Don’t shy away from using a title that honestly reflects your duties. 

6. Leave On Good Terms 

Lastly, if you decide that having more responsibility at work but no promotion means quitting. Do it on good terms.

Even if you’re upset about not getting promoted. Be a team player and keep it cordial until your last day. Never burn bridges on your way out.

Final Thoughts

Remember, you’re not a volunteer. And have every right to get paid for your increased workload.  

Hopefully, this helps you take action. If you’re new here, join our NetWerk community for instant access to our Free Career Center!

Here you’ll find career guides and templates to help you on your journey to getting promoted.

Best of all, joining is at no cost to you. Remember, you’ve got this!

Over To You 

Are you taking on more responsibility at work with no promotion? Let us know in the comments @netwerkmovement. Share this with someone dealing with this at work!