*Ostroff, Fair and Company>>>Other - Advertising & Marketing

Being forced to work on non-work related contest at work?

The past 2 years - and possibly even before I worked here, we have worked on something called the "NOVA" awards, which is a type of marketing award contest put out by the American Marketing Association.

I am technically in the marketing department, though I am a designer and not part of this particular association, though I am a member of the AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts) - the equivalent, of AMA but for designers. Our department now consists of 3 marketing personnel, 3 designers and our manager.

For this contest, the advisors get together and discuss which pieces they would like to enter in the NOVA awards. They generally pick 3 campaigns to enter, though last year they picked four. (continued)

I hate to say it, but the "non-work related contest" is work related. Anything that promotes the firm, increases visibility among potential clients, and makes the firm more "appealing" by proving its ability to do award-winning product is work related.

I will say that the biggest issues you seem to have are the lack of respect your efforts get and the ignorance of those who request it of you.

Sit down with your boss, explain the issues, which primarily sounds like your coworkers are treating you like a Kinkos. You might also want to consider discussing this with the offending personnel. If they don't realize they're doing anything offensive, they can't correct their actions.

Ultimately, it's up to you to voice your concerns appropriately and concisely.

As someone whose spent hours organizing work for ADDYs and such, I understand your frustration.

Hope that helps a least a bit.

Did your supervisor instruct you to work on this project? If so, it is work related regardless of your perception of the validity of the project. If the contest brings kudos to the firm with positive recognition, then it is job related promotion and public relations.

Or are you just upset that you didn't receive any recognition for the awards? Take your question just as you have written it to your supervisor. If they care at all about the morale of their staff, they will address your concerns with you.

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