I keep getting new jobs added to my list of duties that were never supposed to be mine to do (people who were doing them either left or were laid off) with no compensation. My workload is increasing, my working hours are increasing significantly, and I have nothing to show for it. Is there any way to deal with this that will not end up in me getting fired for complaining?
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This went on since May 2019 in my old group. It got old especially since they wouldn’t backfill. Now they don’t have anybody left who actually knows what’s going on, including me.
There's a lot of "work" that simply doesn't need to be done. Focus on the stuff that you know that your manager is looking at, and quietly start ignoring the rest.
Keep quiet. You'll find out that nobody really cares about a lot of stuff.
If somebody asks about something, move that up in you list of priorities. If nobody is asking about something, then nobody cares about it.
The more you do, the more indispensable you are, so it's a good thing for job security.
in tech, if you are not an engineer, they cannot replace you. so do 40 hours work, document what is possible in that time, and do it, no more. will this work? I really think it depends on your manager.
find another job then leave the manager handle all that work
This is a classic WF move. You do your job well so your manager rewards you by giving you your peers job well also. Rinse and repeat. The slackers keep on slacking and the people who pull their weight get a meets expectations and “you need to do better next year”. Depending on how long this has been going on, it might be too late to go back to what you originally agreed to. Your best bet is to apply for a new role. If you have been in your role for too short of a time or you feel like your being held back, look outside of WF. Often times this will be your best option. I was offered significantly more at a competitor. I did lose a few vacation days but I came out way better and 100% remote. Remember, you are not married to your job, your manager or WF.
Best of luck to you.
Over-working people can be a strategy to getting people to quit. But the problem is that some good people leave too when that hand gets overplayed. If you are an efficient worker, which includes getting the job done correctly, over time, most bosses will know this. They can then back you up in your malaise about being pressed for too much due to other's who have lost their jobs. Then the help just may come. If not, time to consider other alternatives such as leaving.
Never vocalize.
Just work slower.
If it doesnt get done, shrug and say, i did my best.
They want you to quit - there are 1000's of people in india that want your job who get paid a lot less.
@bya is right. This is how it works.
OP, I would say just work what is the most pressing and things that higher ups get reports on and keep your head down. Set clear expectations up front and say you can complete work later than you believe.
At some point, this usually works itself out and they eventually hire more people. You just have to wait to get over the hump. You can explain to your manager that since you lost X team member, err employee, you have an increased workload and it has been challenging for you. Don’t complain but make it known. When asked how you are, say busy, hectic, etc. Make sure they understand. If they want to make a business case to hire, they can.
Stop worrying. Just work your 40 hours. But actually work in them. Don’t play on your phone. Don’t Take long lunch breaks. Work effectively during your 40 hours and you will accomplish a lot.
If you can do that your boss will see it and demand more of the others slacking around you. If they still want you to “do more” it’s way to make a case for a promotion or for getting more help.
But stop this “I need to work harder out of fear” nonsense
Simple. Just work your 40 hours per week and nothing more. Tell them ahead of time not enough time to do work. They can't fire you, as they know that will make things worse. They want you afraid.
Yes, find a better job and quit.
No.
We’re all being asked to do more with less and I need you to be a team player.
Signed,
Your Manager
- S. Your attitude needs improvement. I’ll be sure to include that in your next review. No raise for you.