First, there were trends like "quiet quitting" and bare minimum Mondays, followed by the viral coffee badging action. Now, many American workers are using act your wage as a message to convey their career worries and counter burnout.
What Is The "Act Your Wage" Trend?
Michelle Reisdorf, a district president at Robert Half, the global HR consulting firm based in Chicago, noted that the primary concern for employees embracing the concept of "acting their wage" is establishing boundaries to safeguard their work-life balance and prevent excessive overwork that could impact their quality of life.
Reisdorf noted that trends such as "acting your wage" and others in the labor market often pick up momentum as more employees encounter the underlying challenges, where many workers might have taken on heavier workloads, resulting in burnout. When employees experience burnout, they often feel compelled to express their concerns or disengage from their work.
A recent survey by Robert Half revealed that 38% of workers reported feeling more burned out than they did a year ago, with heavy workloads identified as the main cause of burnout.
Why Do Employees "Act Their Wages?"
Aaron Rubens, co-founder and CEO of the workplace recognition online platform Kudoboard, explained in an email that employees are becoming more hesitant to take on extra responsibilities beyond their designated roles following layoffs or hiring freezes. He noted that some high-performing individuals understand that accepting additional tasks can result in increased expectations without corresponding rewards, leading them to focus their efforts according to their titles and compensation.
According to Rubens, the choice to "act your wage" signifies a change in employees' perception of workplace dynamics, influenced by the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and amplified through social media.
With an increased focus on holistic well-being and work-life balance, employees now acknowledge the necessity of setting boundaries to protect their resources. This stems from a prevailing belief that employers prioritize productivity over employee welfare. Rubens also highlighted the role of social media platforms, serving as a venue for employees to express dissatisfaction and connect with peers, fostering empowerment to advocate for their well-being at work.
Rubens pointed out that employees' choice to act their wage frequently indicates a breakdown in the organization's culture and sense of belonging. While boundaries stem from a desire for balance, they also signify a disconnect resulting from the erosion of core values and appreciation cultures from upper management. When leadership fails to prioritize genuine recognition and offer appropriate compensation for work, employees naturally become disconnected from the company.
How Can Workers Address The Burnout Professionally?
Instead of adopting an "act your age" approach, Reisdorf from Robert Half proposed more professional strategies.
- Communicate. Discuss your workload with your manager and ask for assistance if it is overwhelming.
- Implement time blocking. Rather than multitasking, schedule specific periods to concentrate on important tasks.
- Take short breaks. Step away from your desk, walk, or stretch to refresh your mind.
- Disconnect during time off. Use vacation days and disconnect to relax and engage in personal activities without any work distractions.
