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Changing Position in Workplace
Have you ever been in a position that you got reassigned in your workplace? Or do you feel like your job duties are now different than when you first started in the company?
You weren’t demoted or promoted but your responsibilities were changed. So, what do you have to do now that your job role got redefined? Is a change in the workplace a good thing or a bad thing? And how does it affect you?
Why does it happen?
Test for Promotion
A change in position in the workplace doesn’t happen very often. However, it is not an uncommon phenomenon. Sometimes, it may be good for you; the employer might be testing you for an important role. It shows that they trust in your abilities and you have a future in the firm. If you stand up to the task, it might prove as a possible promotion in the future.
More Responsibilities but no Promotion
This scenario arises when the company has limited resources. The employee might be asked to take on more responsibilities to help the company grow or survive out of an economic or pandemic crisis. The company might also lay off some workforce. This means the remaining workers would have to pick up the slack and work harder.
A reduced workforce usually means more work and increased hours for the remaining workers. This gets coupled with work stress, leading to employees hating their jobs and the employer. Unfortunately – since the reason for laying off was money – the employees can not be rewarded immediately. However, the hope is that, once out of the crisis, they would be compensated handsomely or given a promotion because of their loyalty and hard work.
Lesser Responsibilities but Without Demotion
When this happens, your position was changed, the employer is trying to send a message. Perhaps the worker might not be doing their job right. The employer hopes that by reducing the responsibilities, the worker might be motivated to perform better.
Some workplace politics might also get involved in this scenario. The employer might not be able to directly fire them in fear of a lawsuit. But by reducing responsibilities they send a message that the employee does not have a future in the company. So, maybe they will resign themselves and the company would not be required to pay a severance package – which they must if they fire a worker.
What you can do
If you find yourself in a similar situation, you can take the following measures:
· You can ask your employer very politely and professionally the reason for the change your position. If you have more responsibilities, it means they trust you and will possibly reward you when possible. In the other case, you can ask what you can do to improve.
· You can treat this as an opportunity to learn and improve your skillset. Do what you think will put you back on track. Don’t hesitate to ask for pointers from companions.
· You should be sensitive to the situation of your manager and the company. If they are already downsizing, it might not be best to add to their worry by directly confronting them. Instead, wait for a time when things calm down.
· In case of increased responsibilities, don’t ask for more money or a better title. Instead, go for perks such as additional vacation days or longer lunch hours. These are easier to grant. Especially, when your employer knows that you did a good job, and you should be compensated fairly.
· Share your thoughts with your peers. This will help you make better decisions. You can learn from their experience or they can guide you in the ways that are best for you.
· And finally, maintain a positive attitude in all cases. Changes in the workplace happen occasionally. You will definitely be rewarded if you keep on performing your duties honestly and to the best of your abilities.
An increase in workload is obviously a good thing if you are compensated for it (which you most likely will be later). And a reduction in responsibility is also not a negative factor – especially if you survive a layoff. This can prove to be an opportunity for you to refocus your skillset towards skills that the company is favoring more. Maintain a positive attitude in both cases and take a calmed decision about your next steps.
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