Employee loyalty is a term that is tossed around a lot in the workplace. What does it actually mean in this day and age? How loyal do you feel about your employer? What if you’re too loyal to your employer? Is that even possible?
According to Merriam-Webster, loyalty is defined as, “faithful to a cause, ideal, custom, institution, or product.”
Loyalty in the workplace is important. Studies have shown that it can improve staff performance, teamwork, and productivity. Loyalty should be a good thing, but there is such a thing as being too loyal to your employer. What happens then? What impact will it have on you and your career?
Think about it, do you have an unhealthy attachment to your job, colleagues or Manager? Do you have a real fear of abandonment when you think of leaving them? Is that why you are staying at your job even though you didn’t get the pay rise you asked for at your last review?
#1 Employee
Do you constantly feel the need to prove yourself? When you go home, do you constantly check your work emails and log in after hours? Do you find that your manager and colleagues pass on jobs to you because they know you’ll always say yes and get it done even if it means sacrificing your free time and sanity? Do you break your back to get projects done only for you to never receive praise or recognition? Sure, everyone wants to feel valued and praised, however, speak up when you feel uncomfortable and don’t let people take advantage of you.
Turn Down Opportunities
Do you turn down job opportunities that come your way for fear that you’ll upset your boss and let down the company? Has a recruiter or a friend called you out of the blue asking if you’d be interested in an amazing job only for you to turn it down? It’s easy to tell yourself and others that your boss needs you and if you leave everything will fall apart. The truth is, while you may upset your manager, nothing in life is permanent and there will always be someone else you can do your job.
Attached to your Manager or Colleague?
Does the thought of leaving your manager or colleague scare you? Have you built up a great relationship and feel that no other manager will ever be as good? Have your colleagues become good friends? Remember, if they’re real friendships, you can still keep in touch and catch up on the weekends. Liking the people you work with shouldn’t be a reason why you don’t want to leave, especially if it’s the only reason why you are staying.
I speak to Talents that REALLY feel these things and the best thing you can do is believe that there is a BETTER situation to work in and that another employer would be LUCKY to have you. Employee loyalty may be important, however, if it’s negatively impacting your mental health, it’s time to move on.
If you need advice about your work situation send me a confidential message or DM me via LinkedIn.
Anna O’Dea
Iceberg, Melbourne’s go-to recruitment company! Specialising exclusively in recruiting for digital, marketing, PR, digital, experiential & advertising jobs. Permanent, freelance and contract roles available!. Sign up to our weekly newsletter HERE.
