Feeling Undervalued at Work: Should I Stay or Start Looking for a New Job?

I would like to discuss my current situation with you. Please let me know what I should do.

Overview of My Role

I have been working at an engineering company since its establishment in India. My responsibilities include overseeing HR/Personnel/Administration processes and acting as the Management Representative for ISO 14001. I am the sole person responsible for managing all these processes. We have a total of 50+ employees, including contract labor. Additionally, we have a core team comprising 6 members from various departments such as Purchase, Store, Quality, Assembly, and HR. This core team plays a crucial role in driving the company and making important decisions.

Salary Discrepancy

I have noticed that I receive a lower salary compared to the other team members, especially those in the production line. Despite discussing my role and its significance with the management, who are foreigners, they are not willing to meet my appropriate requirements. This situation has led me to feel depressed. Despite putting in significant effort, I am not seeing the desired outcomes.

Seeking Advice

I seek your advice on what steps I should take next. Should I consider leaving my current job? Your prompt response would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Dear Parimal,

There is no information on your qualifications and experience. How long have you been with the company? What is the profile of the other persons in the core team with whom you are comparing yourself?

You say, "Even though doing all input, I am not getting output." What kind of output do you mean? If you are not giving output, how will the management reward you? Or do you mean money/salary as output? Have you compared the industry norms of salary for HRs who are at your level? What makes you feel you are underpaid?

As a matter of fact, there is no one who thinks they are overpaid. So, this feeling can be imaginary. Why are you feeling depressed? You don't need to carry this feeling throughout the day and night, letting the stress build up inside you.

Throw away this load of garbage from your mind, and start thinking afresh on how you can improve yourself, your performance, and your personal life. Let me assure you that being an HR for just 50 employees (that too, including the contract labor) is no big deal. In fact, many Indian companies would not even employ an HR person if they had to deal with only 50 employees!

Start thinking positively; there is a lot in life to feel grateful for and to be happy about. We are all here to help you achieve your goals in life.

Warm regards.

Profile Overview

Please find enclosed my profile, detailing my current responsibilities within the company. There are two parts: one outlines what I am currently doing, and the other specifies what I should not be doing.

I have completed a Master of Labour Welfare and have been with this company since February 2010. I am the Head of the Concern Department, as previously mentioned.

Objective

My intention is to convey the importance of my work to the management. The desired outcome is recognition of my contributions and a salary increase commensurate with others in similar positions. I have meticulously calculated my worth and presented this information to them.

Best regards,
Parimal

Sorry for replying late. As per the roles and responsibilities provided by yourself, it is good, and the place offers ample learning opportunities. Some tasks go beyond typical HR work, but don't worry; you will learn and gain proficiency in these specific areas. The attitude of your seniors and colleagues plays a significant role. If they are supportive, it is beneficial to stay with this organization. However, if their attitude is not supportive, consider exploring new job opportunities. Avoid feeling depressed, as it can hinder your skills and mental well-being, leading to increased stress and burnout.

Best of luck for a bright future.

With Regards

I have gone through the JD submitted by you. These functions are performed by every HR Executive in any organization—from freshers to those with several years of experience. It's human nature that one finds their own job complex and laborious, whereas others' appear to be easy and fun. It would be difficult to ascertain whether you are underpaid or not without knowing your CTC, industry norms, your company's size, location, and compensation policy. At this point in time, all I can suggest is to develop a healthy attitude towards your work, stop comparing yourself with others, and remember that there are other benefits too which are not financial. You can also keep looking for better prospects and opportunities.

Wishing you the best.

Dear Parimal,

Don't think you need to be depressed. Looking at your career, you have good stability and expertise in both administrative and HR roles, so there is no need to worry by comparing. Each department personnel have their own risks, so enjoy your work. There are many companies that would welcome you with open arms. Therefore, satisfy yourself with the current environment or consider seeking a change that can better fulfill your needs.

Thank you.