According to the latest study by Robert Walters, eight out of ten professionals say their responsibilities have increased significantly in the last 12 months, without a promotion or pay raise. Most of these professionals are grappling with extra workloads as they see at-work expectations rise without formal recognition, salary adjustments, overtime pay, or clear opportunities for career progression.
To cope with their new responsibilities, professionals are working longer hours (51%) and delegating tasks when possible (21%). However, few have addressed this issue with their direct supervisor (16%).
“In Spain, we’re seeing how the accumulation of responsibilities is severely affecting professionals, both in terms of motivation and well-being. The lack of dialogue about these changes and the absence of measures to redistribute tasks or recognize the extra effort are creating a work environment that for many is unsustainable. It’s essential that companies take proactive steps, or else this strain will lead to a widespread talent drain that could seriously affect the company’s productivity,” notes Fatima Amat, Senior Manager at Robert Walters.
Shadow workloads: a global phenomenon
Invisible workloads, or shadow workloads arise as a result of rising work expectations without formal recognition.
Andrew Powell, Chief Commercial Officer at Robert Walters, says: “Many organizations are facing a challenging operating environment, marked by constant pressures and the need to do more with fewer resources. For this reason, it is not surprising that roles are evolving and responsibilities are being redistributed across teams.
And add that “when these changes occur without clear visibility or formal recognition, they can give rise to what is called shadow workloads. While this may help companies stay agile in the short term, it is not a sustainable solution and can lead to lower productivity and greater job dissatisfaction.”
Moreover, professionals who sustain high performance and intense dedication for long periods can also experience a serious burnout episode, directly affecting their motivation and mental health. When asked how frequently they experience this type of burnout, 44% said it happens regularly, while 34% said it happens occasionally.
“Taking on new responsibilities can be beneficial for individuals and organizations, especially when it fosters professional growth. However, if that effort is not recognized or properly managed, it can create an unpleasant work environment,” warns Powell.
