3 Signs You Have Been “Quietly Promoted”

Receiving a formal promotion is a joyous occasion, but what if the increased responsibility comes with no title or increased salary?  

This phenomenon, coined “quiet promoting,” has become all too common according to a new survey from JobSage. In fact, 78% of US workers reported being quietly promoted and over half (57%) said they felt taken advantage or cornered when being asked to take on more tasks. 

“It can be a tricky situation because, obviously, your employer has a reason why they have put this work on your lap—or attempted to, at least,” said Kelli Mason, cofounder of JobSage. “There’s a talent shortage, someone may have left, or maybe it was a layoff. If you’re in the position, however, it’s important to call it out.”  

According to Mason, there are three signs that someone has received a quiet promotion: 

1. Being asked to take on responsibilities above a given title 
2. Taking on more work than colleagues with the same title 
3. Taking over work that was left behind by a higher-tier coworker who may have left or was laid off 

In order to be properly compensated for added responsibility, Mason suggests asking direct questions if these requests to take on more work are long-term.  

If there is no intention of hiring someone new, workers have a right to set boundaries if they feel overworked or simply ask for the proper title and compensation associated with the work.