What should I do if I'm being demoted at work?

Рет қаралды 11,283

Күн бұрын

#demotion #constructivedismissal #jobsearch
What should I do if I’m being demoted at work? Being demoted, or taking a step back in your career can be one of the toughest things to navigate as a professional. On top of this, conversations around the topic of demotion aren’t always transparent.
For example, an employer might offer you a demotion, or a constructive dismissal, without ever saying those words. covers what you should do, and what you shouldn’t do if you are being demoted. Plus, you will get some specific tips to manage a demotion meeting and the necessary follow up to maximize the outcome that you want.
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0:00 Intro
0:20 Alannah’s story (demoted from her position of District Manager)
1:14 Offered a position she held years ago
1:57 Losing benefits
2:26 Why you shouldn’t accept a demotion in the meeting
3:20 When things don’t feel right, they probably aren’t right
3:43 How to regain control after the demotion meeting
3:47 Have you ever been demoted? Leave a comment.
4:00 Why Alannah’s situation is sketchy
4:38 Understanding constructive dismissal
4:57 HR’s perspective on the demotion meeting
5:40 A productive way forward after the demotion meeting
6:05 Tip 1: Determine if you were really demoted
6:33 Clear signals of a demotion
7:35 Tip 2: Ask for your new job offer in writing
9:20 Tip 3: Know what you want and take action
10:20 Ask questions to make sure you fully understand your options
10:55 The exact email to send when following up on the demotion meeting
11:50 You might be eligible for a severance package
11:56 Follow Alannah’s example and don’t accept the new role in the demotion meeting
13:30 Outro
___
About Shauna Cole
I want to help you get the job of your dreams! I founded the job board hirediverse.ca (jobs.hirediverse.ca/) to connect diverse professionals with employers who value inclusion.
I know first-hand that injustice shows up in the workplace in lots of ways. It’s those vague but powerful prejudices that run like currents below the surface of office politics. It's wrong. But so is perpetuating the dishonesty that bias is history. So, I’ve taken my experiences to create a job board and content that focuses on inclusion.
I’m an award-winning University Instructor, MBA, Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and Senior Certified Human Resources Professional (SHRM-SCP) with over 20 years' professional Human Resources experience.
As seen: CBC, LinkedIn News, The University of New Brunswick, The Canadian HR Reporter, Motherly, Working Mother, Huddle, The Maritime Edit, Fairygodboss, Jobscan and more.
• What should I do if I'...

Пікірлер: 79

@Prince1911_ Жыл бұрын

This just happened to me. Was the intake supervisor at a law firm. Now I’m being asked to be a “lead specialist”. Luckily my pay didn’t get docked however I don’t command the respect I once did. Not cool man. Highly considering finding a new job.

@ShaunalCole Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience @prince charles and I am sorry this happened to you! I can understand why you might consider leaving the company. A demotion can often lead to disengagement from the employee, resulting in a resignation.

@istvanpraha 6 ай бұрын

I took a demotion and am fine with it but having the same level of respect is not always good. People still come to be more everything which defeats the purpose of the demotion

@Pinkkermit17 3 ай бұрын

My boss pulled me in the office and told me that I had a choice of stepping into an older role I was in or be separated. He listed all these wonderful reasons why I should do it..( wonderful in his eyes ) . I took the demotion only because I cant not have a job. I am really upset thought. Been with the company for over 20 years worked my butt off to get where I wanted. it really really hurts.

@ShaunalCole 3 ай бұрын

I am sorry you are going through this. I can understand how this hurts.

@melc156 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this content. This is happening to me right now. I was told on Friday and asked to change for Monday and to a new location. I want to eliminate my emotions, stick to the facts, and understand my options available. I didnt know if I had rights legally...and I really like this option of putting everything in writing. Ive been with the company going on 16 years and I never saw this coming and dont want to burn any bridges. You are a blessing.

@ShaunalCole 2 жыл бұрын

So sorry to hear you went through this :(

@accountcompromised2166 3 жыл бұрын

I am currently being mobbed at work. The other day I overheard a discussion regarding me where someone asked the manager if they were going to fire me the manager then replied "No, Im going to get her to quit." Today when I contacted my manager regarding next weeks schedule she told me that Im not on the schedule next week because there is a lowered budget for the shifts. Thank You for creating this very informative video because I feel like oftentimes the best and brightest employees tend to subtly be eased out of the workplace.

@ShaunalCole 3 жыл бұрын

I am so sorry to hear this Farrah. Times like this can be so stressful. You should have never overheard a discussion like that at your workplace. Unfortunately, being eased out can be a reality. Especially when the managers and leaders have their own agendas they are trying to serve. I hope you can find career happiness and that this situation is resolved soon!

@brianserious 3 жыл бұрын

Stfu

@ashleyk9328 3 жыл бұрын

I also think that I’m being eased out. By making me feel rejected and demoted they can expect me to resign without having to pay me a severance package.

@accountcompromised2166 3 жыл бұрын

@@ashleyk9328 Everything will work out in your favor. If they are in fact trying to ease you out of the workplace that's negative energy on their part. I feel that the universe will reward you with a multitude of blessings. Oftentimes when unfair situations arise it's because the universe has a much better opportunity although we may not currently perceive it. It will work out to your advantage. You are a strong woman and i just wanted to say "Ashley you've got this and you will win".👋

@ashleyk9328 3 жыл бұрын

@@accountcompromised2166 Thank you!

@shacaramalone 3 жыл бұрын

I was demoted today. I'm a team leader at work. And have been for 7yrs. I always done what was asked of me and more. The company hire a new manager who did not want as a team leader. Because my co leader were not happy that I made more income than them. Being that I out worked them! But, I'm ok with it. Time to pursue other options because not I feel like I have target on my back. Sometimes change is good!

@ShaunalCole 3 жыл бұрын

I am sorry to hear you were demoted at work. You are right, perhaps this is a time to explore new opportunities and to see the change as a a positive one. All the best to you through the transition!

@istvanpraha 6 ай бұрын

I took a demotion it’s not always a tragedy. TBH other people are causing more problems than me. For example the person who took my job lacks some skills so people keep coming to me and it feels like a battle

@ShaunalCole 3 ай бұрын

A demotion can definitely be a good thing!

@christinaliu8992 3 жыл бұрын

This happened to me today. I was on 12 month secondment as a team leader. New manager came onboard and they don’t need a team leader so decided to cut early 4 months early. So I go back to a substantive role which is a pay cut and loss of responsibilities

@ShaunalCole 3 жыл бұрын

I am sorry to hear this happened Christina. What you have described does certainly sound like a demotion.

@lordfinbar 3 жыл бұрын

How did things up for you?

@Zzzzzzzzaa 2 жыл бұрын

That's a really great video! Im just going through this. My manager called me today and set up a meeting for us to have a chat. Im working as an accredited paralegal in this company since 4 years and have 12 years of experience in my field. The company needs more secretaries to do the dull work so they want to move me from Legal department to there. As a backburner they told me I can take one thing i'm doing now with me (one small admin job, wow) and they might use me for legal work if they need to but it feels like a demotion to me. I was hired as a paralegal by legal department due to my career and experience and now they just want to move me without really looking at my career path. I do very well where i am and got highest marks on year end review as i pick up many jobs and cover for others. Tomorrow they will tell me about it and in consequence I will loose my accreditation and continuity in work experience. I am fully qualifying next year too and i need my legal work for that too... this will be interrupted. Little to say I am the only foreign person in the department (young, non native speaker) and in the history on this dept no one else was put in this position.

@ShaunalCole 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for the feedback and I am sorry to hear you are going through this. It can definitely be tough to move from very engaging work to work that you don't find exciting at all. I hope all works out for you and your career.

@Zorrocovers 2 жыл бұрын

My mom is going through this same situation but when her boss talked to her and told her she was being demoted and that her salary and job title were going to change she went along with it because she didn’t know about her rights and how to handle this situation. When they had this meeting her boss never gave her anything in writing saying she was being demoted and that her salary and job title were going to change, this was all a verbal exchange. So now it’s been a couple of months and she’s being written up for insubordination, when she was under the impression that her new job title meant that she was in charge of the of the kitchen area in which she works. She was written up because the new manager who came in to help split up the responsibilities that my mom had before she was demoted put her on the schedule to work in a different part of the building as a crew member, pretty much undermining her job title as the head of the kitchen and it’s staff, so she told him no, she was not going to go up there to work when she already has her own responsibilities and projects that need to be overseen and completed by her, and that she was a manager not a crew member. So he went and told on her and got her written up, and now they’re saying that she isn’t really a manager and that she had to listen to the new guy. They’re changing the terms of her demotion out of the blue and making her feel like crap for trying to stand up for herself. I’m not sure what she can do at this point, should she try and get a severance? Or should she write her manager an email telling her she doesn’t except this demotion because the terms they agreed upon are now being changed at their convenience? Or has too much time gone by since she was initially demoted to do anything about it?

@ShaunalCole Жыл бұрын

So sorry to hear your mom went through this. To start working in the new role, signals an acceptance of the new position unfortunately.

@nicholebennett137 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve been in the same role with the same company for 11 years. My dept acquired a new manager who has come in and changed my role completely. She now states that she doesn’t think that I’m able to keep up with the pace in which she wants to take the dept and had suggested a lesser role (maternity leave) in another department. She cites a decline in my performance, which I know to be true, due to burnout on a specific account for which she refuses to offer any reprieve, though I’ve requested help numerous times. I know I can’t continue in my current role but I do not want to voluntarily quit. Looking for some advice.

@ShaunalCole 3 жыл бұрын

This sounds like a tough situation and I am sorry you are going through this. Any entitlements to severance pay can really depend based on the company size, where you are located, etc. It is a smart move not to voluntarily quit. As a next step, I would ask create a 'Performance Improvement Plan'. Have your manager confirm their specific performance expectations in writing. You best bet is to meet those requirements. Should anything happen down the road as far as a layoff goes, this documentation would be important. Showing the initiative to create and work on an improvement plan should improve any perceived decline. Although if the role and company is detrimental to your health, consider looking for a job while still employed and form a plan to quit. Sometimes having a plan can help to alleviate feeling out of control. Keep in touch>> www.shaunacole.com/subscribe

@lindseymichelle6302 6 ай бұрын

My manager gave a promotion not long ago all of the sudden they are putting me back where I was years ago 17 years working at my retail store

@ShaunalCole 6 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience and I am sorry this has happened to you.

@drsundipshenoy2471 3 жыл бұрын

Mind-reader, you are to the point.

@ShaunalCole 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you :)

@talithaladucer 2 жыл бұрын

I went from one position to taking on more responsibilities in another position, great right!? Well I didn’t get a formal offer and I wasn’t compensated. When I asked for a formal title change and compensation several months later I was demoted back to my original position!

@ShaunalCole 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your experience. Although, that sounds very frustrating! I am sorry this happened to you.

@ashleyk9328 3 жыл бұрын

I got demoted 12 years. Restructuring after covid. But most of the people I know have been elevated. Here’s the thing. I’ve been demoted to level 1 from level 2. But they can use me to do level 2 work AND I’m going to make the new manager’s(promoted from level 1) life so much easier. I don’t understand how most people got elevated in a restructuring and I got demoted. the level 2 position has just become available because the one person who was placed there applied for a higher position in the structure and got the job. He too got elevated. The job for level 2 is not being advertised as my manager explained that it would. Wtf?!

@ShaunalCole 3 жыл бұрын

I am sorry to hear you are going through this Ashley :(. Sounds like a really frustrating experience. There are many factors that go in to decisions like this. And, unfortunately, sometimes all the details aren't clearly communicate to employees. It sounds like this scenario is definitely lacking in transparency and answers for you. I recently recorded 3 more videos about demotion. One of them explores how organizations make decisions like this. Be sure to subscribe so you are notified when it is released. I hope it will help to shed some light on your situation.

@yesboy5036 Жыл бұрын

I got demoted today and my boss sent someone else to tell me. Unfortunately I am in the middle of getting my bachelors degree and feel like I can’t afford to leave because I do get paid well. Should I hold on?

@ShaunalCole Жыл бұрын

I am sorry to hear you had this experience :(. There's no easy answer here. I would say it's important to consider both financial and mental health impacts of staying versus leaving the job.

@definitelyslytherin 3 жыл бұрын

I’m a little confused about this. I think I got demoted in my current position. I was told today that I am going back to my old position that I started in the company because I had left for medical leave due to covid. Someone took over that prior role and now I’m in a physically taxing position that doesn’t bode well with my pre existing health condition.

@ShaunalCole 3 жыл бұрын

It really does depend on a variety of factors. For example, if the position in terms of pay and authority it may be a lateral move. If your role isn't a fit for medical reasons you might want to look into the employer's responsibility when it comes to 'duty to accommodate'.

@dlisinch 3 жыл бұрын

This kind of situation is common in a dynamic company struggling for profitability, and or survival. They never replaced her in her present role as district manager, so the reasoning is probably legit at this point. It's a cost cutting measure, or they have somebody else waiting in the wings that's better to move into her position. Someone else that can do a better job of adding to the bottom line. In some company's, like the one I worked for, I've seen it happen at different levels of the organization over the 34 years I was there. Most took the demotion and got "red circled" in pay. Reasoning, probably not to lose their preferred pension plan in quitting and going somewhere else. The person discussed in this situation has a choice, take the demotion or negotiate a severance package, with or without a lawyer. If she wants to climb the corporate ladder, she'll need to do that somewhere else. This is very clear.

@ShaunalCole 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing this perspective. I agree that there is a choice to be made in this situation. Unfortunately, a lot of times folks don't realize their rights in a situation like this. Demotion can take a big toll on their confidence. As a result, people often aren't thinking clearly. This can lead to mistakes like failure to recognize eligibility for severance, for example.

@dlisinch 3 жыл бұрын

@@ShaunalCole In absence of a collective agreement, at least in Ontario, Canada. A worker can be fired for "any reason or no reason" at all. All that is owed is severance. This comes from a lawyer, as I was in this very position. In the USA, a number of "work at will" States exists, which would make it even easier to get rid of someone. You don't have right to your position. If one wants security of their position, I advise you work in a union environment. You can stomp your feet and get excited, but that's really how it is. The person in your discussion could have it worse, her boss is somewhat empathetic. He could have very easily played dirty, and put her on a "Performance Improvement Plan" or PIP under the guidance of HR despite how good she think she is . Then, maybe no severance, because working life would be so miserable from the psychological warfare, expectation so high, you would need to be superhuman to meet them. She would quit or be fired, and then maybe no severance. I witnessed that too, happening to a co-worker. All you need to do is check around on the media, there's lots of stories of this during the past few years. One thing to remember, good lawyers aren't cheap and need a retainer, like a writ to your house. You could end up unemployed and bankrupt too, if you chose to stand your ground.

@ShaunalCole 3 жыл бұрын

@@dlisinch Thanks for sharing your experience. Job loss is certainly difficult, especially in these grey areas. Yes, a person can be terminated without cause for just about any reason. It's in the job seeker's best interest to negotiate in good faith to avoid the need to get a lawyer involved. In many cases the severance packages simply aren't big enough to warrant lots of expensive legal fees.

@adrianjackan5023 2 жыл бұрын

I believe I was demoted my team was take away from me due to me pushing them to hard and how my approach was. But it reality we all have a job to do and sometimes you need to push your team for greatness mind you my team consisted of interns they weren’t real permanent employees and this was their first jobs kids I might add they complain to there school school contracted my hr department and told them that as long as I am a supervisor they will not be sending any co-ops to our job however HR was nice enough to let me keep my pay and benefits are still the same nothing was changed. Then transition me into a different position but I’m not sure how I feel about that? Please help … This past week I’ve been doing the new role I’ve been thinking about my career path at the same time I do like being in the managerial roles what do I do?

@ShaunalCole 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment and I am sorry to hear you are going through this :(. Constructive dismissal is a complicated topic with lots of factors. You might start with understanding that concept further first. As far as how to move forward, that really depends on the specifics of your situation. If you are unhappy (which it sounds like you are), it might be time to start making plans to exit the organization altogether.

@abramaguayo6840 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve been at my warehouse for going on 12 yrs I was put in a lead position in 2018 with promises of good raise and future supervision role. Then COVID came and none of that came then early 2021 I was moved to another department in a lesser role (not in leadership). No change in pay but I’m no longer in a lead position. Now I’m taking orders from people that I was giving orders to. I want to quit but I can’t.

@ShaunalCole 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing this. I am sorry to hear you are going through this situation, it's definitely a tough one! Often times employers say it's not a demotion because there is no pay change. This can be so frustrating, especially the scenario you describe with the direct reports. There is lots of movement in the job market right now... If you're unhappy, maybe it's time to plan your exit? Good luck!

@abramaguayo6840 2 жыл бұрын

@@ShaunalCole thank you so much for your reply. I’m plan is to stay here well I catch up on some bills. Get my health and right. (Benefits) then get my resume ready. Again thank you for your response.

@ShaunalCole 2 жыл бұрын

@@abramaguayo6840 You're very welcome. Wishing you all the best. I can appreciate how tough this can be.

@cassaundra8462 Жыл бұрын

I was an entry level pm by accident and now a older man came to take on a capillera jobs mind you he can’t use a computer at all but I took some bad pictures and sent a few emails with out prof reading first . He told me he wants me to go to other departments mind you that are at the moment struggling.. and learn the products and materials we use and help with state paper work with a dollar raise ?

@ShaunalCole Жыл бұрын

Sounds like a tough situation, good luck with the transition. You could always try to negotiate the pay or push back on the move, depending on the situation.

@user-xh3vp9wb4b 3 ай бұрын

I’ve been w a med size private company since its inception 26 years. I was #2 under owner for 20 yrs. A new owner has come on board and been her direct for 5 yrs. She has suddenly hired an outside CFO, and he has hired someone in order to split my role, all without consulting me. I am HR btw. So now she wants me to move all my accnt duties (and my reports) to new employee. But I feel she is pushing me out, and my reports have been extremely upset. I will ask for a new job description? And confirm benefits. I’d like to just ask for severance, but maybe it will be more clear w clear definitions. Thank you.

@ShaunalCole 3 ай бұрын

sorry you are going through this. all the best with the new role description and working through this transition.

@timothyperry3850 2 жыл бұрын

This is probably going to happen to me I work at a nursing home as a chef . Everybody has made it known that corporate has being trying to save money by not buying the needed ingredients for the residents meals , I am short staffed every night by 2 people . I am a good cook but it’s a set up to fail situation without all these things one cannot produce the best quality I refuse to stay at a place that I have put 20 yrs into . For me my best bet is to find another job then quit and as much as I do not want to write a letter of appreciation . If you know your worth and this happens leave !

@ShaunalCole 2 жыл бұрын

I am sorry to hear you are going through this. And I agree! Know your worth and move on if at all possible. Sometimes the unfair treatment is not worth it!

@ShaunalCole 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! Subscribe to Career Interrupted here: kzfaq.info

@virtuosowins 2 жыл бұрын

I was in the same situation, thanks to a friggin wuss who was no good at work, and that's not even my boss who was another wuss. I had to plan my getaway and thank God it worked. I've ejected from that sinking company now. 🙏 🕉️

@ShaunalCole 2 жыл бұрын

@@virtuosowins I am sorry to hear you went through this. Good luck!

@virtuosowins Жыл бұрын

@@ShaunalCole thank you for the kind words

@ShaunalCole Жыл бұрын

@@virtuosowins :)

@seekthehorizon6854 2 жыл бұрын

Literally happened to me today!

@ShaunalCole 2 жыл бұрын

So sorry to hear that :(

@seekthehorizon6854 2 жыл бұрын

@@ShaunalCole No need to feel bad, It was the best thing, especially because I stood my ground and financially I did not experience a set back. I know other employees didn’t have that privilege so I’m very grateful.

@by1faith73 Жыл бұрын

I'm in the process of being demoted. I'm not due severance because I'm a contractor. I don't have any rights. I'm was also told my salary is decreasing from 60,000 to 30,000. What should I do?

@ShaunalCole Жыл бұрын

I am sorry to hear this is happening. Depending on a number of details such as tenure and the details of the employment relations, Contractors can sometimes be eligible for severance. For example, if it is found that there was a co-employment relationship you might be eligible. Whatever the case, I do hope that you have been provided with a reasonable notice period as the change is significant. I would suggest doing some research on co-employment and constructive dismissal. It sounds like It might be time to look for another opportunity.... Please feel free to upload your resume on my new job board hirediverse.ca.