There is a direct correlation between job satisfaction and morale. Most employees will stay with a company that provides them with a clear and concise career path. Today’s worker is looking for continued training and development in their current position.
If you are feeling undervalued at work there are some questions you should ask yourself before your next move. When was my last employee job review? What were the takeaways from that last discussion? Does my company offer training and have I volunteered to take training to add to my skill set? Does my current manager or lead know my professional goals and has he/she clearly defined my career path?
If you have answered all those questions and still feel undervalued and unappreciated, perhaps it’s time to consider other employment options. Here’s the good news! The unemployment rate is low and continues to drop. Companies are struggling to find great talent for their open positions. The current job market is rich with tremendous opportunities and it’s currently a buyers’ market.
If you decide to start your job search, it’s important to build your resume so it speaks to the position you want and not the position you currently have. Furthermore, during the interview phase, don’t be negative about your current employer but let the hiring manager know why you are seeking a new position. It’s essential that you do research on your potential future employer to make sure they offer the training and career path you are looking for.
If you decide to stay at your current job despite feeling undervalued at work, be vocal with your manager about your concerns. A direct result of feeling valued and appreciated is high productivity. Perhaps your employer will increase your responsibilities or present you with some training options you didn't know existed. Either direction you can choose, just remember, “Most everything that you want is just outside your comfort zone.”- Jack Canfield
