The employees who are most loyal and most committed to the company are subjected to greater exploitation by its managers. This is stated in a recent study carried out by a group of American researchers. Experts say this happens for two reasons. On the one hand, workers who agree to make personal sacrifices in their job are perceived as having stronger loyalty. Therefore, managers will place more workload and responsibility on them. In this way, a vicious and harmful cycle of “suffering” is produced for them.
The study highlights the ironic fact that the most loyal employees, instead of being rewarded or protected, end up experiencing negative consequences related to greater exploitation. That is, the perception on the part of managers is that they are more “exploitable” than the rest of the employees. Therefore, it is essential that people learn to set limits in their work environment.
Lack of self-confidence, pressure due to competition or fear of losing opportunities are some of the main reasons why workers do not set limits. However, doing so is essential to ensure a balance between work and personal life, in addition to avoiding stress and health being harmed.
Psychologist Estrella Flores-Carretero defines the concept of establishing limits as defining “acceptable roles and behaviors” among individuals who are part of the workplace. The objective? Achieve a healthy coexistence and work environment. To do this, the specialist recommends some strategies.
