As a team member, it can be difficult to tell when your boss is taking advantage of you at work. Whether you are in an administrative position or have been with the company for years, there are certain telltale signs that may indicate that your current job is not as secure and beneficial as it should be. That's why we've outlined five signs that your boss is taking advantage of you on the job. By recognizing these red flags early on, you can protect yourself and ensure you are treated fairly in the workplace.

1. You're Doing Things Outside Of Your Job Description
If your employer regularly has you completing tasks that are not within your or anyone's job description, it may be a sign that they are taking advantage of your willingness and availability. While it's sometimes necessary to take on extra work to help out, if this becomes a regular occurrence or the tasks become too much for you to handle, you should speak up and let your boss know. You should especially bring it up if you cannot handle your own projects due to the extra workload, or if it impedes employee productivity. Your employer is required to set clear expectations and should not be adding extra tasks to your job that do not fall within its scope. If this is happening to you, you might be being taken advantage of in your workplace.

2. You're Not Being Compensated Fairly
If your boss is consistently having you work overtime or extra hours without a pay bump, then it’s likely that you are being taken advantage of at work. If you are being paid less than minimum wage, or the pay rate is far below industry standards, then it’s time to reassess your situation. Your boss should be paying you fairly for the work that you are doing, and if they are not, then this is a sign that they could be taking advantage of you.

It's important to recognize any signs of exploitation in the workplace and take action if this is happening to you. Employers must be held accountable for paying their employees fair wages, so make sure to speak up if your employer fails to provide adequate compensation for the extra hours worked. If necessary, consider consulting with an attorney who can help protect your rights as an employee and ensure you get the pay bump you deserve.

3. You're Being Discriminated Against
It's important to set healthy boundaries in the workplace, especially if you feel like you're being taken advantage of at work. This can manifest itself in a variety of ways, like when your boss steals recognition for your work or when you feel you're being unfairly discriminated against. If this is happening, it's essential that you take action and set boundaries with your employer. Doing so will help ensure that they understand what behaviors are acceptable and which ones will not be tolerated in the future.

Taking the initiative to stand up for yourself shows that you have self-respect and won't allow yourself to be taken advantage of at work any longer. One of the ways you can do this is by keeping a detailed record of any discrimination or exploitation that you may experience, as this can be used in the future to support your case. 

4. You're Playing Personal Assistant
If your employer has you "playing personal assistant", it’s a sure sign that you're being taken advantage of at work. If your time is spent fetching your boss coffee or managing their personal errands like grocery shopping and picking up dry cleaning, your time is being taken advantage of. You should not feel obligated to complete tasks outside your job description and your boss should not be expecting extra responsibilities unrelated to the job, including any personal favors. Instead, they should focus on providing meaningful work experiences where you can learn and grow professionally. If this is happening to you, it's essential that you make your boss aware of the situation and set healthy boundaries.

5. You're Not Granted FMLA
One of the biggest signs that you're being taken advantage of at work is if your employer fails to grant you the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) when needed. This law requires employers to provide eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period for specific medical or family reasons. When employers don't follow this law, it can potentially lead to unfair labor practices and exploitation in the workplace.

Often, an employee's manager repeatedly promises paid time off or vacation days that never happen. If your employer is refusing to grant you FMLA and other forms of leave, it's important to have an honest conversation and speak up for yourself. Contact local or state agencies that can provide you with the legal representation and support you need to ensure that your rights are being protected in the workplace. If you suspect any form of exploitation, don't hesitate to reach out to an attorney from Dooley Gembala for help.

What to Do If Your Boss Is Taking Advantage of You
It is important for employees to be aware of the signs that they are being taken advantage of at work. If your employer is not paying you fairly, has you doing tasks outside of your job description, discriminates against you, or fails to grant FMLA when needed, then it could mean that they are taking advantage of their position and exploiting you in the workplace. To protect yourself from exploitation and unfair labor practices, make sure to set healthy boundaries with your boss and speak up if something isn't right.

If necessary, consider consulting with an attorney who can help ensure that your rights as an employee are being respected. Dooley Gembala can provide you with the legal representation and support that you need to ensure your safety and security in the workplace. With our help, you can take back control of your career and no longer be taken advantage of in the workplace.