How to Understand Your Worth as an Employee

Here are a few ways to keep track of your capabilities, and understand what you are worth when you need to negotiate or make a case for why you are valuable as an employee.

If you have had success at work, it is important to keep track of it. This could include increasing company profits, how many customers you have brought in, or any positive feedback you have gotten from customers and clients.

 If you have anything that is written that relates to your positive workplace improvements, you should keep this in a portfolio since it can help you show your employer just how beneficial you are and why the company needs you. 

Even if you plan on leaving, having this type of material in your portfolio can serve as a powerful reminder to companies why they should consider hiring you and what you can do to help them grow their bottom line.

Just because you are paid a certain rate doesn't mean that it is your current value at the workplace. Make sure you are saving your paychecks and keep track of how much taxes taken out of paycheck amounts to. Depending on what you do during a full day of work, you might be entitled to more money.

Many companies will not simply give you what you are worth. It might be worth finding out what new hires are making. If you find out that your company is paying you less than what new hires get, or your company is making full use of your skills and talents but paying you less than the competition, it might be time to figure out an alternative.

Apply at other places that will pay you for your talents, ask for a raise, or both. Just be prepared to show what you do and how you help the company if you want everyone else to see your worth, too.

You likely hear a lot about the importance of a work-life balance. This is important, since it is likely that you do not want to spend every waking moment working, and you need to be able to take time for yourself when necessary.

Think about how often you get time off, if it is hard to get time off, and if you get compensation for working on holidays or late hours. Many companies now offer shift differentials to make up for working weekends or late hours.

If this is something you do and your company does not offer it, take a look at what the competition can provide. It is worth having either the time you need off or extra pay, in order to be truly happy with your workplace arrangements.

When it comes to understanding and knowing your worth as an employee, it is important to keep a few things in mind. Always track your work success, so you have a record of what you have done for the company. This can prove to be valuable when you are trying to obtain a better position or more pay at your current company.

It can even help you when you apply for work elsewhere. Keep track of all your duties and what you do at work, so you know your current value. If you have more knowledge ad experience but get paid less than new hires, it is time to revaluate. Finally, check to see what your current work-life balance looks like. 

Understanding these factors can make a big difference in how you know your worth at work.