Seniority in the workplace is often interpreted as something negative. In fact, not a few think that seniority is related to office politics.
Many also misuse the term seniority to place other employees who have positions below them.
Actually, what is seniority at work? Does that mean it’s always negative?
Here are some explanations for you
1. Definition of Seniority
In the past, seniority at school was defined as an upperclassman who behaved arbitrarily to his underclassman. However, the understanding is different in the world of work.
Quoted from The Balance Careers, seniority at work is the length of time a person serves in a job or works for a company.
Meanwhile, according to Wisestep, seniority describes the experience of an employee working in a particular company.
The longer a person works in a company, the more senior that person is considered.
Seniority is not just a mere term. The reason is, seniority can give higher status, rank, or priority to employees who have served for a longer period of time.
So far, seniority has always been seen as something negative.
In fact, on several occasions, seniority can actually have a positive impact on employees, the work environment and the company.
One of them is in terms of training. Someone who is more senior will be given the opportunity to provide training to employees who work for a shorter period of time.
2. The Impact of Seniority in the Workplace
a. Unfair opportunity
One of the most significant impacts of seniority in the workplace is unfair opportunities.
Many people regret if there is someone who gets promoted just because of his seniority. Whereas in terms of competence, there are many other employees who have more potential.
This is because seniority does not always reflect quality. Someone who has worked in a company for a long time is not necessarily more competent than someone who has not been in the company for a long time.
b. Job Security
Someone who is more senior at work generally has higher job security.
The reason is that people who have worked for a long time are considered to have qualified skills.
Therefore, the company will think twice about terminating a senior employee.
c. Benefit
Seniority is often considered in line with the benefits received.
If you have worked at a company for a long time, you have the potential to get a higher salary increase, benefits, and bonuses.
Meanwhile, employees who have not worked for a long time generally do not get such benefits.
d. Training
Many companies use senior employees to provide training to new employees.
Senior employees are considered to have sufficient knowledge and provisions to be shared with newer employees.
That way, the company can also save on training expenses from other parties.
3. Tips for Dealing with Seniority
a. Show ability
As a new employee, you may need time to adapt to the work environment and the job you are in.
But while adapting, show your best in the company. Show that even though you are a new employee, you have great potential to grow in the company.
The reason is, senior employees usually observe the work of new employees. However, you don’t need to worry.
Make yourself comfortable with the existing work environment and build good cooperation with your team.
b. Compete in a healthy way
Be aware that seniority in the workplace can take competition in an unhealthy direction.
Someone who feels more senior may expect to get the benefits according to his expectations.
But as a new employee, don’t let yourself get carried away by competing unhealthy.
When an opportunity is open to anyone, you just have to show that you deserve it and compete fairly.
c. Confident
Term of work in a company is not everything.
Even if you are a new employee, still believe in yourself. Believe that you can have a greater opportunity than employees who have worked longer than you.
You just need to do each of your work to the maximum and complete it with a good attitude too.
Opportunities will come along with your efforts to do your best.
d. Build relationships with seniors
Don’t think of senior employees as rivals, even enemies. Think of them as someone who can provide more knowledge and experience for you.
Therefore, have a good relationship with them. Invite them to get acquainted and discuss various things.
That way, seniority in the workplace will not be a negative thing, but an incentive to grow.