I've been working here for three years and consistently exceed my performance goals. However, I recently discovered that a new hire in a similar role, with less experience, is earning significantly mo

Ensure you are contributing at least enough to capture the entire employer match, as this is essentially free money for your retirement.

Determine the contribution percentage needed to receive the full employer match, and adjust your contributions accordingly.

Suggest improvements to how the 401(k) benefits, including the match, are communicated to new and existing employees.

Formally or informally communicate your concerns about the clarity of the match communication to your HR department.

Contact your company's HR department or the 401(k) plan administrator for a clear explanation of the match.

Carefully read the official 401(k) plan documents or summary plan description to understand the exact match formula.

Implement strategies to manage burnout during work hours, such as setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks, and practicing mindfulness, to make the most of any time off.

Consider taking shorter, more frequent breaks if a single long break is not feasible, to manage burnout incrementally.

Review your employee handbook and company intranet for any information on different types of leave or employee assistance programs.

Schedule a meeting with your HR department to explicitly ask about any alternative leave options beyond standard PTO.