Scope Creep at Work

When working on a client project, the topic of scope creep comes up.

This is when a discussion or sub-assignment emerges that wasn’t planned.

The scope of the project has crept into something different.

Often this creep takes up more time.

Reducing the revenue from the engagement.

Some scope creep is expected but knowing when it’s happening can be tricky.

Job Creep

This same thing can happen with our full-time job.

Our roles and responsibilities morph and change over time.

Sometimes the new role we are filling looks nothing like the one we interviewed for.

In some ways this can be good when a role better aligns to our strengths.

However, most of the time, the creep is the expansion of our role.

More responsibilities.

Longer hours.

Increased stress.

Making life feel like it’s in chaos.

Noticing job responsibility creep is the trickiest part.

Here are some of the ways the expansion of responsibilities can start to move in:

“Can You…?” Requests: Small favors snowball into ongoing responsibilities.
Restructuring: Teams shift, but roles aren’t redefined, and workloads increase.
Absorbing Work: A colleague leaves, and suddenly their work is yours.
Good at Problem-Solving: You’re the go-to for fixing things outside your role.
Vague Job Descriptions: Your role expands because there are no boundaries.
Hero Culture: High performers get rewarded with… more work.

Initially it might feel good to be “selected” for an increase in responsibilities.

Yet, over time, the job creep can lead to negative challenges including:

Burnout and Stress – Taking on more without boundaries can lead to exhaustion.
Lack of Recognition – Additional work is often not reflected in raises or promotions.
Career Drift – You end up doing things that don’t align with your actual career goals.
Resentment and Frustration – Overloaded employees often feel undervalued.

Job creep is going to happen.

Noticing and then reacting as appropriate is the key.

Below are some ideas to help you control job expansion:

Role Clarity: Revisit your job description and work with your manager to make updates.
Track Your Responsibilities: Keep a list of tasks beyond your original scope. Use this as leverage when negotiating workload or raises.
Push Back Strategically: If asked to take on more, say:
“I’d be happy to help, but how should I prioritize this against my current workload?”
“Is this a temporary task or a permanent shift in my role?”
Negotiate Resources: If the work needs to be done, request help or a shift in priorities.
Tie Extra Work to Growth Opportunities: Instead of absorbing random tasks, position yourself for work that advances your career.
Set & Stick to Boundaries: Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should.

Have you experienced job scope creep?

What have you done to stop or slow it down?

Are there ideas here that you could use as you move forward?