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I've been a Secretary/Administrative Assistant for over 20 years. I love what I do... Yet, employers seem to be clueless when it comes to rewarding me...

March 2006

Dear Office-Politics,

I've been a Secretary/Administrative Assistant for over 20 years. I love what I do, and am a self-starter, quick learner and master at multitasking as the years of experience have taught me to work smart and not overwork. I easily support several managers and often fill in for other admins when they're on vacation or out sick. Everybody is directed to me because "she knows everything."

I've been asked to mentor and train new admins. I'm the type of employee that when I leave an employer, my absence is felt for many years and many have tried to "steal" me back. My reasons for leaving have only been for personal reasons that involved changes in my family life (births, relocating to another city and the like). I've successfully worked with all kinds of people, from mid-level managers to presidents and CEOs. I get high praise of my work and ability to wear many hats, my performance reviews are always rated at "exceeds expectation." I maintain a friendly, approachable, and positive attitude toward everyone because I really like people. I treat my co-workers with respect and kindness and am treated in that same manner. Others come to me for assistance because they get "attitudes" from some admins.

Yet, employers seem to become clueless when it comes to rewarding me accordingly.

It's like they fall into a temporary memory lapse. I usually get the same standard rate increase that they're handing out company-wide (so they say, I know better). I even told my immediate manager during my last review that my raises did not match my reviews and she shrugged and lamely blamed it on the company being on a tight budget that year. Again, I know for a fact that they all got fat bonuses as a reward for operating within their budgets.

Most recently, I was overlooked for a special monetary bonus that was given to employees throughout the company that performed above and beyond their expectations and who also don't normally receive bonuses. This is not the type of award that one can ask for, as they surprised us with this new reward program during the party, and it seems only the manager's knew about it, and they had meetings to select someone from each of their departments that would deserve this award. The speeches and awards were handed out during our annual holiday party. Needless to say, I was crushed when the program ended and I sat there empty-handed and many of my peers and coworkers were glancing over at me with confused looks on their faces. Several caught me as I tried to make a hasty retreat and asked me why didn't I get any award, because out of any who deserved one, I certainly did. I merely responded that I didn't know. I did not elaborate in any way, as I really didn't want my true emotions to surface (my feelings were hurt by the slight and I really wanted to just get home fast and cry). Certainly that would have been inappropriate and unprofessional in front of my coworkers!

I've detailed all of the above to try and give you some background, so, is there something I'm not doing or saying that is preventing me from being properly compensated or recognized? Is there a book on the market that addresses this type of issue that I can read? Maybe I need to take another look at how and why I do things. This is becoming very discouraging for me.

Appreciated in Lip Service Only

Dear Appreciated in Lip Service Only,

You have done two things right that most people don't get.

First, you are aware of your value and contribution. It is thrilling for me when someone so clearly and simply expresses the value they know they have.

Second, you have the courage to write for help. What this tells me is that you want to be seen and valued for who you are and what you contribute. You are no longer willing to be ignored. You are a 'star' and you want to be treated appropriately. Getting respect starts with you and you now are respecting yourself.

Now it is time to bring the same simplicity and clarity you convey in your letter to your bosses. Tell them that you need to be valued in a concrete way. (Or write if you feel more confident.) Mere lip service will not do it. You want that appreciation fully reflected in the check you receive every 2 weeks. I would not threaten to leave but if they don't value you on your terms, then it is time for you to search for new opportunities to a place that truly values you and has the ability and willingness to compensate you properly.

Go for it!

Thanks for writing to Office-Politics.

Arnie Herz

Arnie Herz, Esq.
Author, LegalSanity
Attorney at Law