PHOTOGRAPHYBEN RITTER AND GETTY IMAGES*ACCORDING TO STUDIES BY THEUNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO, CANADA, AND BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY/PRINCETON108
COSMOPOLITAN.CO.ZA | SEPTEMBER 2019job. Make sure you document the
facts, just in case you want to take
it further. Whether you decide to
might depend on the person. Do
they do this sort of thing a lot?
Was it a one-off mistake? Ask
a colleague you trust (perhaps on
another team) for a second opinion
- they’ll be more detached about
the situation. Ask them whether they
think you are overreacting or should
report it to somebody. They may
well be your moral support if you
take it to HR or your line manager
at a later date.
THE SITUATION
You feel underpaid
You suspect that similar
positions in similar
companies would pay
more. And your resentment
is growing...
What to do about it
Find out the salaries for equivalent
roles by browsing websites such as
Glassdoor and Indeed. You could
also get hints from a colleague
(after earning their trust) – either
by talking about it directly or by
showing them a comparable
job description and asking them
to estimate what they think it
would pay. Once you have some
evidence, speak to your manager.
‘Have a direct conversation with
them, saying that you’re aware of
a difference in your pay and that
you’d like to understand why that
might be the case,’ says Alexander.
‘If you’re unconvinced, question
their reasons. Then ask HR for
a confidential conversation. They
can approach your manager on
behalf of the company, rather than
you, to look at the calculations
behind what you earn.’THE SITUATION
You really need
a break
When you’re trapped
in an endless cycle of
hustle, grind and long
hours, it can be hard
to recognise the signs of
burnout. Feeling physically
and emotionally drained,
and suffering from insomnia
and poor concentration can
all be red flags.What to do about it
‘Go to your manager and explain
that you feel you can best serve
the team if you take a break,’ says
Alexander. ‘Point out all the targets
you have hit so far and reassurethem that you’ll return to work
with more energy and perform
even better.’ Approach your boss
knowing exactly what you’re asking
for, whether it’s unpaid leave or
a holiday. Most places
don’t require employees
to produce a sick note for
one day off, but if you’d
like longer to recuperate,
read through your contract
to find out your rights.
Come prepared with the
datesyou’d like to take off and
suggestions for people who have
agreed to cover your workload.
‘This will put you on the front foot,’
says Alexander. ‘If your boss says,
“We’re too busy,” ask yourself
whether you’re happy working
in that sort of culture. Your health
affects all aspects of your life.
You can love your job, but your
job will never love you back.’
Consider whether it’s time for
a change.- Practise saying ‘NO’
2. Don’t clam up under fire
3. Remove three ‘sorry’s
from that email - Be a badass
‘Your health
affects all aspects
of your life’