Work Stress/Upset

[Carsarelife]

Anyone else feel they are "invisible at work"?

Was working somewhere for 5 years and always felt a bit invisible even though I'm a really good worker. Always turn up on time, not sick etc go above and beyond, friendly and approachable. Didn't get employee of the month for over a year and even though I worked there 5 year only received it twice the whole time. Others seemed to get it just for turning up.

Started a new job and been there 6 months. Never had employee of the month.
A male colleague was given employee of the month today. He's only been there 3 weeks not even for the whole month of September.
I was convinced I was going to get it as received lots of comments and praise lately. Been doing lots extra hours and going above and beyond.
Maybe I try too hard?
It's made me feel really down hearted

@Samesiht think I'll start pulling back for now then see what happens. I learnt today we have someone new starting next week. 3 guesses who will receive employee of the month for October

@RaeHitsEbSire I know what you mean but imagine if you worked somewhere and every single employee has received it except you. When I have my one to one appraisal they don't even give me anything to work towards. Just say I'm doing a fab job as I am. I feel like they could keep a tab on it and just say "ohcarsarelife" has never had it let's give it to her this month then we will start from the beginning again

Based on many years of experience, I'm still saying if you want recognition you need to shout louder to be seen. People who rise are largely self promoters. They're certainly not always the best at what they do. It doesn't pay to work conscientiously and quietly in the background in most organisations.

In my job we have a weekly thing where we nominate each other or the management do, and even clients can. In all honesty I think it can backfire as some people have clients who love to nominate and others don't. People also tend to nominate friends or someone who they know is having a tough time. The 'steady Eddie's' often go for months without a nomination and then management will pick it up (sometimes) I think it's often given to new staff to inspire them. Not sure but like previous posters, not getting nominated can feel like you're not appreciated and you really have to learn to take the whole thing with a pinch of salt!

How many employees are there? Even in a firm of 100 it'd take over eight years for everybody to get it once...

@SawX there are 10 of us. But we are always recruiting as we are always 2-3 staff short.

Six months and eightish staff, so it should be your turn soon!