When Hard Work Goes Unnoticed

By Emily - Mindful Career Journey

High performers don’t just work hard……they give it their all.  They are proactive, anticipate needs, go the extra mile, and solve problems before they arise.  But when their efforts go unrecognized, the impact runs deep.

Instead of questioning the system, many start questioning themselves: 

• Did I not do enough? 

• Did I miss something? 

• Did I meet the expectations?  

In reality, they most likely did everything right.  Yet the silence is dreadful……the lack of appreciation and the absence of acknowledgment can create resentment and stress, eventually leading to burnout.

Recognition is a powerful driver of engagement, motivation, and retention.  High performers are not looking for a monetary reward for every task or project completed - we’re not running a coin operating machine here.  It doesn’t take much……a simple “thank you,” a public acknowledgment, or a meaningful conversation can make all the difference.

If you’re a leader, take a moment today to recognize someone’s hard work.  It costs nothing, but can mean everything.