If you feel like some of your colleagues are getting special treatment, you’re not alone.

According to a recent survey of 1,000 American workers conducted by Resume Now, 70% say they’ve seen leaders play favorites, while 43% say they’ve witnessed favoritism factor into promotions, raises, or recognition.

Nearly a quarter also believe leadership is protecting a “toxic top performer” at the expense of others.  

“Our survey revealed that favoritism absolutely is happening and probably happening more frequently than a lot of companies would like to admit,” says Resume Now career expert Keith Spencer, though he notes that in most cases he believes managers aren’t showing preferential treatment on purpose.

“I think the phrase ‘assume mistake, not malice’ applies,” he says. “A lot of this could be happening because of unconscious bias; they don’t realize they’re playing favorites when they’re giving more leeway or support to people that maybe remind them more of themselves.”

Whether intentional or not, workplaces where staff members feel like they’re treated worse than their colleagues are likely to run into serious problems.

“It should be concerning for companies to learn that their managers might be playing favorites, creating distrust and maybe some resentment,” Spencer says. “All of that can negatively impact morale, engagement, and even retention, so there are far-ranging ripple effects from playing favorites, whether intentionally or not.”

Those who find themselves in a workplace where others enjoy preferential treatment aren’t helpless. Here’s what the experts say you can do........

© Fast Company