The Tribune

By DEIDRE BASTIAN

Have you ever felt that some co-workers receive special treatment compared to others, and that this is often displayed in a manner that can easily be defined as favouritism? Simply put, favouritism occurs when managers give preferential treatment to certain employees without clear, objective reasons. This can be based on personal relationships, shared backgrounds or subjective biases.

While some favouritism might seem harmless, it can erode trust, lower morale and even impact performance if left unchecked. It is not always about bias. It is often subtle, and may seem small in the moment but increases over time to create an uneven playing field. Here are some subtle signs of favouritism in the workplace.

Unequal access to opportunities

One of the first signs of favouritism can sometimes involve employees consistently receiving new projects, training or professional growth opportunities.

Disproportionate recognition

Everyone appreciates recognition, but favouritism can skew the way praise is distributed. If a few employees are constantly singled out even for minor achievements, while others rarely get acknowledged, this could be a red flag.

Uneven workload distribution

Pay attention to who is carrying the workload. Favouritism can show up when some team members are given easier tasks or fewer responsibilities, while others are overwhelmed with additional work.

Favouritism in meetings

Are certain employees offered opportunities to speak, receive more consideration or are their contributions regularly overlooked and dismissed?

Different standards for the same behaviour

A more subtle sign is how a manager reacts to minor indiscretions. For example, if ‘employee A’ is reprimanded for not adhering to the dress code, or leaving 10 minutes early each day, but ‘employee B’ has been getting away with the same infractions for months, it gives the impression that ‘employee B’ is a favourite and the boss is choosing to overlook their misdemeanours whether they admit it or not.

The family member

Imagine you are at a company, and you are overlooked for a promotion in favour of the boss’s son. Immediately, co-workers will suspect nepotism.

The free reign

One of the most tell-tale signs that favouritism could be in play is when an employee is subject to less scrutiny for their performance or never criticised.

The friend

Bosses and employees can sometimes develop friendships that extend outside of working relationships, or maybe they have bonded over a shared interest in a particular sport or hobby. There is nothing necessarily wrong with this but it can unintentionally affect the workplace.

Inconsistent performance evaluations

Performance reviews should be impartial and based on clear criteria.

Why favouritism is unfair

Favouritism in the workplace is not just unfair; it can have serious consequences. It erodes trust, damages team cohesion and can even lead to legal issues if discrimination is involved, while creating a toxic work environment that undermines morale and productivity. By learning to identify these signs, you will be better equipped to navigate complex dynamics and advocate for justice.

It can sometimes be a fine line between a boss showing favouritism or simply choosing an employee because they have the skill sets required to deliver a sensitive project. In essence, a boss who keeps favourites is not a good boss and should remain professional at all times. Until we meet again, live life for memories rather than regrets. Enjoy life and stay on top of your game.

• NB: Columnist welcomes feedback at deedee21bastian@gmail.com

About columnist: Deidre M. Bastian is a graphic designer/brand marketing analyst, international award-winning author and certified life coach.