Putting in the work and not getting noticed? I’ve seen it happen so many times. Too many people assume their work will speak for itself, only to watch someone else walk away with the credit. Believe it or not, just one in three workers in the U.S. can confidently say they’ve been recognized or praised for their work in the past week. And when you don’t feel valued? You’re twice as likely to start job hunting. Meanwhile, the people who know how to play the game? They’re getting promotions, raises, and all the credit.
It’s frustrating, but here’s the truth: recognition doesn’t just happen. You have to make it happen. That’s why you need to be strategic, own your wins, and make sure the right people see your impact. Here are five office power moves to help you stand out and get the credit you deserve.
Volunteer For Opportunities
Want to stand out? Stop waiting to be told what to do. The fastest way to get noticed is by taking the lead, especially on the tasks that others avoid.
Is your team drowning in prep for a big presentation? Get involved. Offer to polish the slides, do research, or bring everything together. While others hesitate to take on more, you’re proving you’re the go-to person. And when leadership is thinking about who’s ready for a bigger role? They’ll remember who stepped up.
On top of that, volunteering can actually make work more interesting. It breaks up the routine, introduces new challenges, and gives you a chance to build new skills. When you take charge, your contributions become impossible to ignore. So, next time you see a project, event, or problem that needs attention, seize the moment. You never know what doors it might open.
Build Relationships With Senior Leaders
If the higher-ups know your name and what you bring to the table, you’re already ahead of the game. The trick isn’t to force connections. It’s about creating natural opportunities to interact. Jump into a project they care about, join a committee they support, or simply make it a point to be in the same spaces they are. The goal? Get on their radar in a way that feels authentic.
And here’s the thing: Your boss or senior leaders might see the results of your work, but that doesn’t mean they understand everything that goes into it. A quick email, casual chat, or short update can make sure leadership actually sees what you bring to the table. And don’t wait for an annual review to talk about wins! Instead, make it a habit.
Building relationships with decision-makers takes time, but it pays off. One of the biggest perks is having someone in the room who will vouch for you even when you are not there. A strong advocate can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
Be Proactive With Projects
Volunteering is great, but if you really want to level up, start thinking bigger. Instead of just stepping in where help is needed, look for ways to take charge of projects that actually move the needle.
Start by paying attention to what leadership actually cares about. What projects keep coming up in meetings? Where is the company trying to grow? If you see a gap, don’t wait for an assignment. Pitch a solution. Say, “I noticed we’re working on improving team efficiency. I’ve been testing a new system that could speed things up. Can I put together a plan for how we might implement it?”
This move changes how people see you. You go from being helpful to being a problem solver—aka, the type of person leadership wants in bigger roles.
Stay Visible In The Workplace
If no one sees you, they’re not thinking about you. And if they’re not thinking about you, you’re missing out on opportunities. Being present (whether in person or online) keeps you top of mind when opportunities arise.
Make sure people hear your ideas. Before meetings, take a minute to think about how you can contribute. Got insights on a key topic? Hear coworkers struggling with something you can help with? Speak up. The more people see you as someone who adds value, the more they’ll associate you with opportunities.
And if you’re remote, don’t fade into the background. The Wall Street Journal found that U.S. remote workers saw 31% fewer promotion opportunities than their in-office peers. That’s a wake-up call. Be vocal in meetings, engage in workplace conversations, and find ways to stay on leadership’s radar.
Be Authentically You
Trying to be someone you’re not is exhausting, and people can tell when it’s forced. If you’re constantly shifting to match what you think leadership wants, you risk coming off as insincere or, worse, getting overlooked altogether.
The real way to get the credit you deserve? Show up as the best version of you, not a knockoff of someone else. If you’re naturally introverted, you don’t need to be the loudest in the room. Just make your voice count when you speak. If you’re outgoing, don’t tone it down just to blend in. Lean into your strengths and let them work for you.
People trust and remember those who are consistent and real. When you own who you are, your credibility goes up, and so does the recognition you get. Leaders take note of the ideas that feel genuine, and coworkers respect the person who isn’t trying to play a part. But if you’re constantly shifting your image, people may miss your true impact, and that’s the last thing you want.
If you want credit, make it impossible to ignore you. Take initiative, build real connections, and own your impact. The right people will notice, and the right opportunities will follow. You’ve got this!