Understanding Resentment in the Workplace: What it is and How to Address It

iPlan-Myfuture
Apr 28
3 min read

Workplace resentment—it's that undercurrent of bitterness or frustration that can slowly erode the morale and culture of a team. If you've ever felt like something isn't fair at work or your efforts aren't recognised, you might be familiar with this feeling. Resentment doesn’t just pop up overnight; it usually builds over time, fed by various factors that many of us have experienced at one point or another.

So, what exactly causes resentment at work?

1. Perceived Injustice

One of the biggest drivers of resentment is the feeling that things aren't fair. Maybe you've been passed over for a promotion you deserved or seen a colleague get recognised for something you contributed to. It's natural to feel upset when you perceive that rewards and opportunities aren't distributed fairly.

2. Lack of Recognition

We've all been there—working hard on a project only to feel like no one noticed. When employees consistently feel undervalued or overlooked, it can breed bitterness. Recognition is a simple but powerful way to make people feel seen and appreciated.

3. Poor Communication

Good communication is the backbone of any healthy work environment. When it's lacking—unclear expectations, inconsistent feedback, or being left out of important decisions—it can lead to frustration and mistrust. Employees want to feel informed and involved, not left in the dark.

4. Favouritism or Nepotism

Nothing stirs up resentment faster than seeing someone get ahead because of who they know rather than what they know. If employees feel that favouritism or nepotism is at play, it can create a toxic environment where people focus more on politics than productivity.

5. Overwork and Unrealistic Expectations

Burnout is real, and it’s a significant source of resentment. If you're constantly expected to work long hours or meet impossible deadlines without the necessary support, it’s easy to resent your job or those who set the expectations.

6. Lack of Growth Opportunities

Feeling stuck in a role with no clear path for advancement can be incredibly frustrating. Employees who don’t see a future in their current organisation may start to disengage and feel resentment toward their managers or the company as a whole.

What Can Be Done About It?

The good news is that resentment doesn’t have to be permanent. Both employers and employees can take steps to address and reduce these feelings.

For Employers:

Foster Open Communication: Ensure a transparent process for sharing information and making decisions. Encourage feedback and listen to your employees’ concerns.
Be Fair and Transparent: Ensure that promotions, raises, and recognition are based on merit and are distributed fairly. Be transparent about how decisions are made.
Recognise and Appreciate: Regularly acknowledge your team's hard work and contributions. A simple “thank you” can go a long way.
Promote Work-Life Balance: Respect employees' time and set realistic expectations. Encourage them to take breaks and time off when needed.
Provide Growth Opportunities: Provide clear paths for advancement and personal development, and support your employees’ career goals and ambitions.

For Employees:

Communicate Your Needs: Don’t wait until resentment builds up. Speak up if you feel unfairly treated or overwhelmed. Constructive feedback can lead to positive changes.
Seek Support: If you’re struggling with your workload or feeling stuck, talk to your manager about ways to lighten the load or explore new opportunities.
Focus on What You Can Control: Sometimes, it helps to focus on the aspects of your job you can influence, like building skills or improving your work processes.

Resentment can be a tough nut to crack, but it’s possible to turn things around with effort and open communication. Everyone wants to feel valued and treated fairly—the key to a happier, more productive workplace.

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