Employees in today's fast-paced, highly competitive industry are frequently overworked and underpaid. It can be exhausting to be under constant pressure to meet deadlines, exceed goals, and constantly innovate. When combined with long hours, heavy workloads, and inadequate pay, it can have a significant impact on employees' well-being and productivity. Employees' confidence and job satisfaction suffer when they are underpaid. According to a Glassdoor survey, 45 percent of employees have left a job due to pay issues, and 61 percent believe they are paid less than their peers in similar professions.

When automation and technology are rapidly transforming the workplace, employees should be adequately compensated for their contributions. As remote work and flexible scheduling become more common, employees are finding it more difficult to switch off and maintain a work-life balance. This could lead to feelings of exhaustion, decreased motivation, and involvement. Furthermore, studies show that low-wage workers are more likely to suffer from health issues such as hypertension, heart disease, and depression. Underpayment has a negative influence not just on an employee's well-being but also on their employer's financial line. Employee disengagement and unproductivity can lead to lower profitability, higher turnover rates, and negative company culture.

First, let’s have a look at some signs of an overworked and underpaid employee. So, if you identify with 80% or more of these signs, keep reading.

Decreased Productivity: Overworked employees can become less productive, which may result in missed deadlines or lower-quality work.

Burnout: An overworked employee may experience burnout, which can manifest in physical and emotional exhaustion, detachment, and a lack of motivation.

Increased Sick Days: When an employee is overworked, they may experience stress and become more susceptible to illness, leading to an increased number of sick days.

High Turnover: If employees are consistently overworked and underpaid, they may feel undervalued and seek employment elsewhere, leading to high turnover rates.

Low Motivation: When employees are overworked and underpaid, it can lead to low motivation, decreased job satisfaction, and a lack of motivation.

Lack of Work-Life Balance: Overworked employees may struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance, leading to feelings of stress, exhaustion, and burnout.

Poor Mental Health: Overworking and underpayment can have a significant impact on an employee's mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

Employers need to be aware of these signs and take steps to address them, such as providing fair compensation, offering flexible work schedules, and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

Hence, if you are overworked and underpaid, you must take action to improve your condition. Addressing fair pay problems with your manager might be difficult, but keep in mind that your job is significant and deserves fair compensation. You may collaborate with your employer to discover solutions that benefit everyone if you approach the issue with professionalism and respect.

Examine your position

Take a step back and assess your situation before approaching your manager. Is it true that you're overworked, or just stressed? Are you getting a fair wage in comparison to your coworkers, or are you being underpaid? To effectively express your concerns, you must first have a thorough understanding of your situation. Take some time to evaluate your workload, compensation, and overall job satisfaction. This will help you identify specific areas of concern with your manager.

Make your argument.

It's time to put your case together after you've identified your problem. This necessitates acquiring evidence to back up your claims. If you believe you are overworked, keep track of the number of hours you work each day and compare them to the hours specified in your contract. If you believe you are being underpaid, investigate salaries for your job title in your industry and area. Your manager will find it much more difficult to dismiss your concerns if you have actual data to back them up.

Along with gathering facts, you should prepare your arguments ahead of time. Think about what you want to say and how you want to say it. Avoid being defensive by communicating clearly and concisely. The plan is to deliver your case more professionally and properly.

Call a meeting.

After you've prepared your case, it's time to meet with your supervisor. Make sure you choose a time that is convenient for them and inform them of the purpose of the meeting ahead of time. This will allow them to prepare while also demonstrating your seriousness about the situation. Be open and honest about your concerns during the meeting. Use the information you've gathered to support your claims and explain how your situation affects your work and overall well-being.

Suggest a solution

It is better to approach your boss with solutions rather than complaints. Consider what changes would be beneficial to your position and recommend them to your manager. If you're overburdened, you could suggest hiring more people or outsourcing some of your work. If you believe you are being underpaid, you could suggest a pay increase or bonuses for meeting specific goals. Maintain clear expectations while remaining open to negotiation and compromise. 

It's also important to remember that your boss may not be able to solve all of your problems right away. In some cases, changes may need to be implemented gradually. To develop solutions that benefit both you and your employer, you must be patient and collaborative. Follow up

Following up with your supervisor after the meeting is critical to ensure that they take action. If they've agreed to make changes, ask for a timetable and a list of specific steps they'll take. Find out why they have refused to make changes and see if there is any room for discussion. Remember to remain professional while remaining persistent.

It's also important to keep track of any changes and document your progress. This will allow you to determine whether the changes are having a positive impact and whether additional action is required. If the changes haven't had the desired effect, don't be afraid to call a follow-up meeting to discuss and come up with new options. Keep in mind that changing jobs is a risk.

Many employees in 2023 report being overworked and underpaid. However, keep in mind that if you approach your manager professionally and respectfully, you may be able to change your situation. By assessing your situation, outlining your case, organizing a meeting, providing alternatives, and following up, you can make your concerns heard and engage your employer to develop solutions that benefit everyone. Keep in mind that change takes time, but by working diligently and slowly toward your goals, you may be able to create a more gratifying and rewarding work environment. So, what if the first attempt to make your boss listen doesn't work, what is the second approach? What do you do? And what if you lose your job in the process?

Before you take the steps to initiate a talk with your boss over the subject, you should have examined the risks and analyzed a possible outcome which will look at before the end of the article.

Don't give up if your initial try to get your boss to listen fails. You can use various methods to get your word through. Here are a few other approaches to consider:

Create a coalition: If you're not the only one who feels overworked and underpaid, consider talking with your co-workers to see if they're having similar problems. Working together allows you to present a unified front and make a more compelling case for change.

Create a business case: When it comes to convincing your boss to listen, presenting the issue in terms of the bottom line can be more effective. It may be easier to build a case for a raise if you can demonstrate how your job is directly related to income or cost savings. it may be easier to make a case for a raise or additional resources.

Seek counsel from a mentor: If you have a mentor or someone in the firm with clout, consider seeking their advice or asking them to lobby on your behalf.

Seek external assistance: Depending on your business or profession, there may be external groups or resources that can provide assistance or advice on how to deal with these challenges.

Don’t forget that being persistent and professional in your approach is essential. While it can be discouraging if your first attempt fails, keep experimenting with different solutions until you find what works for you.

Here are some specific examples of unconventional techniques you can try if your initial attempt to get your boss to listen fails:

Use comedy: This is not a joke; however, using humor to break down barriers and get people to listen can be very effective. For example, you could create a humorous video or meme that highlights the difficulties of being overworked and underpaid. Share it with your boss and coworkers on social media, or play it during a team meeting. Make sure the humor is appropriate for the culture and workplace of your company. Another strategy is to use sarcasm to draw attention to the problem. You could create a fictitious "Employee of the Month" award that goes to the person who worked the most unpaid overtime or create a list of the "Most Overworked Employees." While these strategies are unusual, they are effective in encouraging people to pay.

Protest: If you believe that more dramatic action is required, consider organizing a workplace protest or demonstration. This could be done by a sit-in, walkout, or other nonviolent protests. Be sure that your needs are communicated clearly and professionally, and that any occurrences of retribution or harassment are documented.

Consider holding a "work-to-rule" protest if you and your colleagues are constantly working overtime without pay. This means you just work the hours you're paid for and refuse to work any more unpaid hours. While this may cause some disturbance in the workplace, it can be an effective strategy to attract attention to the issue and force management to take action.

Use social media: Social media may be a helpful tool for spreading your message and creating support. Consider launching a hashtag or an online campaign that highlights the difficulties of being overworked and underpaid. Share stories, articles, and data that support your argument, and urge others to share their own.

You could launch a social media campaign like #PayMeFairly, and #WeDeserveFairWages in which you and other employees share stories about being overworked and underpaid. You may also use social media to host a virtual town hall or online forum where employees can share their experiences and come up with suggestions.

Never forget that these unusual ways should be used with caution and strategy. Before taking action, consider the risks and potential consequences, and always prioritize your safety and well-being. The ultimate goal is to effect positive change in the workplace and enhance your working experience.

Here are some measures you should take before giving your plan a shot:

Examine your company's policies: Make sure you understand your company's regulations on protests, social media use, and other kinds of activism before taking any action. Some businesses may have severe standards regarding these issues, and breaking them may result in disciplinary action or even termination.

Consult with colleagues: If you're thinking about taking an unconventional strategy, chat with your co-workers to seek their feedback and support. Consider creating a group or committee to help you prepare and carry out your approach. This might help you present a unified front and guarantee that everyone is on the same page.

Assess the risks: Before acting, think about the potential risks and repercussions. Will you threaten your own or others' safety? Could you be subjected to disciplinary action or other consequences? Before proceeding, carefully consider these factors.

Document everything: If you decide to go against the grain, make sure to document everything. Keep track of any talks, emails, or other correspondence about the problem. Make a record of any instances of retribution or harassment. This documentation can be useful later on if you need to make a case for your activities.

Prepare to bargain: While an uncommon approach can garner attention, it's important to be prepared to negotiate with your supervisor or management. Determine your goals and what you're willing to compromise on before taking action. Consider contacting HR or a mediator to assist in facilitating a conversation and achieving a settlement.

Consider alternative options: While it's important to address the feeling of being overworked and underpaid, an unconventional approach may not always be the best option. Before taking any action, consider other ways to improve your situation, such as negotiating a raise or discussing a more manageable workload with your boss. There may be solutions that can be achieved through more traditional means.

Also, it's worth noting that feeling overworked and underpaid can sometimes be symptoms of larger systemic issues within a company or industry. If this is the case, consider connecting with others in your industry or joining a union to advocate for broader change. By working together, you may be able to create a more sustainable and equitable work environment for everyone.

By following these steps, you can reduce the hazards of an unconventional strategy while increasing your chances of success. It’s paramount for us to emphasize you must always prioritize your safety and well-being, and be ready to change your strategy if the need arises.

Harmony Seyram Attise, the writer - is a multiple award-winning management and business consultant with 10 years of industry experience and a writer. A consultant delivering exceptional results for clients, specializes in strategy and planning, operations, project & change management, innovation, and performance improvement. Contact: attiseharmony@gmail.com