A lot of women work really hard but get glossed over when compared with their more swashbuckling colleagues. This may have something to do with their habits, behaviour or body language.

So if people didn't notice when you went on leave for a week, read the warning sign - you are officially the "invisible employee."

Amrut Vagal, Vice President of Clear Vision, a Management Consultancy says, "If you don't get noticed or promoted, it doesn't mean that you are not competent. You may even attribute it to certain habits, personality traits or ineffective body language. Getting noticed is a continuous activity that can be improved through several management techniques."

For starters, is it really necessary to be noticed? After all, actions speak louder than words and shouldn't your work speak for itself? If only that were the case! The truth is that you've got to make sure people see you and hear about your achievements more often.

Your immediate supervisor may not have the time to do it for you, or she may be flippant about the value of the idea. Or worse, she may pass it off as her own! So you need to make sure you convey the right image about yourself.

V Sriganesh, CEO of Catch Consulting, an Executive Search firm says, "You must have high visibility because companies prefer the outgoing and assertive livewire to the coy and unassuming "worker bee". The marketplace is flooded with countless players and to survive pressure, the management wants hands-on and "visible" professionals who represent the face and voice of the organisation. So, it's rare that the management will notice the silent, dutiful and nearly-transparent employee."