How do I stay motivated at work after being denied a promotion?

Greg Giangrande
·1-min read
Frustrated young African American woman reading a letter with bad news at a table, appearing stressed over a bank debt or loan rejection notification
A frustrated employee wants to know how to keep their motivation up after being rejected for a promotion.

I was told that I was performing above and beyond, but the company is struggling financially and said they can’t justify a lot of promotions this year. Last year, some co-workers jumped two levels. I know promotions aren’t always fair or equitable, but I’m disappointed and depressed.

There are so many factors that go into employee motivation in addition to reward and recognition, including doing work that one finds meaningful with purpose.

According to most surveys, two thirds of employees do not feel particularly motivated at work including those who do receive promotions.

Financial performance certainly impacts a company’s ability to promote and award more compensation to employees, but if your company is promoting other people despite the firm’s financial condition then you deserve to know why you weren’t promoted, and ask what it will take for you to be considered for a promotion in the future.

If you are satisfied with that response and have a clear picture of what it will take to grow within the company and you feel motivated to work toward that goal, then go for it. But if you are still left feeling uninspired, then start the new year with a new you job search.

Gregory Giangrande has over 25 years of experience as a chief human resources executive. Hear Greg every Wednesday at 9:35 a.m. on iHeartRadio 710 WOR. Email: GoToGreg@NYPost.com. Follow: GoToGreg.com and on LinkedIn.

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