Furlough - contact from employer / reassurance
Discussion
Hey guys. Please could I get everyone’s views on my situation? I work in a white collar profession as part of a particular department which has suffered a downturn of work due to covid restrictions, but it has been able to continue to operate through the lockdown because of the nature of the work. I’m the newest recruit with less than 2 years service and I suspect that, even in pre-covid times, my salary is seen as quite high and possibly unsustainable given a change of circumstances that occurred after I got the job, possibly rendering me superfluous and an expensive miscalculation on their part. I was furloughed in early April and have had no contact or reassurance from my boss whatsoever. I proactively rang my boss hoping to find out more about where I stood but the call proved to be rather pointless. The only contact I have had are generic emails from HR extending my provisional return date. Meanwhile, I’m aware that my colleagues have remained busy, even complaining of being overwhelmed, and work has been subcontracted out. I have no idea when or indeed if I have a job to go back to. Frankly, I haven’t been very happy there and whilst redundancy would be financial disaster for me, I wouldn’t be devastated that I wasn’t going back to this place. My friends feel that my boss’s failure to keep in touch, update me etc. is deplorable and, anecdotally, people they know have enjoyed regular contact and updates.
At first I was happy to be furloughed as it meant a break from the work and a way to avoid infection. But I assumed others would be too. It has been demoralising to feel singled out when the rest of my colleagues have kept on working. I feel marginalised and unwanted. I’m not sure this was their intention though. I have my suspicions that they fear contacting me would amount to ‘work’ and therefore furlough fraud. They’re quite a paranoid organisation in that sense.
So what do you guys make of this? Are the indications that I don’t have a job to go back to? Are they wrong to have avoided contact with me
or is this the norm?
At first I was happy to be furloughed as it meant a break from the work and a way to avoid infection. But I assumed others would be too. It has been demoralising to feel singled out when the rest of my colleagues have kept on working. I feel marginalised and unwanted. I’m not sure this was their intention though. I have my suspicions that they fear contacting me would amount to ‘work’ and therefore furlough fraud. They’re quite a paranoid organisation in that sense.
So what do you guys make of this? Are the indications that I don’t have a job to go back to? Are they wrong to have avoided contact with me
or is this the norm?
Your suspicions may well right.
But they will have to make a decision before the end of august. After that keeping you doing nothing will cost them actual money. So expect a decision then if not before.
Given what you describe, id be looking for another job now.
Whats the worst that can happen? You might end up with 2 job options Worse positions to be in.
But they will have to make a decision before the end of august. After that keeping you doing nothing will cost them actual money. So expect a decision then if not before.
Given what you describe, id be looking for another job now.
Whats the worst that can happen? You might end up with 2 job options Worse positions to be in.
My boss didn’t volunteer anything but described how limited business was at that time as to why I wasn’t needed. They answered my questions but it felt like I did all the running.
I’m angry that the team of equally qualified staff haven’t been rotated on furlough. I’m the only one to have stayed on furlough and feel that I’d now be extremely rusty if/when I return to work.
I’m angry that the team of equally qualified staff haven’t been rotated on furlough. I’m the only one to have stayed on furlough and feel that I’d now be extremely rusty if/when I return to work.
monkfish1 said:
Your suspicions may well right.
But they will have to make a decision before the end of august. After that keeping you doing nothing will cost them actual money. So expect a decision then if not before.
Given what you describe, id be looking for another job now.
Whats the worst that can happen? You might end up with 2 job options Worse positions to be in.
Yeah, I’m applying for two other jobs. Really hope I get one of them as my heart is no longer in going back to my old one.But they will have to make a decision before the end of august. After that keeping you doing nothing will cost them actual money. So expect a decision then if not before.
Given what you describe, id be looking for another job now.
Whats the worst that can happen? You might end up with 2 job options Worse positions to be in.
Sounds like you don't want to go back there anyway. Realistically it sounds like you wanted to leave anyway, frankly, and there is nothing worse than being in a job in essence you don't enjoy and ultimately your work may/will suffer as a result.
Get applying, you have nothing to loose and everything to gain.
Get applying, you have nothing to loose and everything to gain.
AudiMan9000 said:
My boss didn’t volunteer anything but described how limited business was at that time as to why I wasn’t needed. They answered my questions but it felt like I did all the running.
I’m angry that the team of equally qualified staff haven’t been rotated on furlough. I’m the only one to have stayed on furlough and feel that I’d now be extremely rusty if/when I return to work.
Did you suggest the "rotation" aspect to your boss? Your original post says you were quite happy to be furloughed and to take a break. Your boss may well have assumed the same. I’m angry that the team of equally qualified staff haven’t been rotated on furlough. I’m the only one to have stayed on furlough and feel that I’d now be extremely rusty if/when I return to work.
Countdown said:
AudiMan9000 said:
My boss didn’t volunteer anything but described how limited business was at that time as to why I wasn’t needed. They answered my questions but it felt like I did all the running.
I’m angry that the team of equally qualified staff haven’t been rotated on furlough. I’m the only one to have stayed on furlough and feel that I’d now be extremely rusty if/when I return to work.
Did you suggest the "rotation" aspect to your boss? Your original post says you were quite happy to be furloughed and to take a break. Your boss may well have assumed the same. I’m angry that the team of equally qualified staff haven’t been rotated on furlough. I’m the only one to have stayed on furlough and feel that I’d now be extremely rusty if/when I return to work.
Edited by AudiMan9000 on Tuesday 9th June 12:01
Sambucket said:
AudiMan9000 said:
My boss didn’t volunteer anything but described how limited business was at that time as to why I wasn’t needed. They answered my questions but it felt like I did all the running.
I’m angry that the team of equally qualified staff haven’t been rotated on furlough. I’m the only one to have stayed on furlough and feel that I’d now be extremely rusty if/when I return to work.
Hadn't thought of that, yes there may be a maternity leave, sort of effect, here. Your colleagues are progressing and have the latest knowledge so it seems like the order of preference is increasingly solidified, if redundancies are required. I’m angry that the team of equally qualified staff haven’t been rotated on furlough. I’m the only one to have stayed on furlough and feel that I’d now be extremely rusty if/when I return to work.
I wouldn't take it personally necessarily. But like with mothers, the effect is real. It makes more sense to not rotate, for the employer.
If I had to guess, you are being held in reserve in case business increases to the point that all staff are required back. There is relatively low cost to the employer to keep this option open.
You are probably allowed to work a second job whilst on furlough. Can you contract or similar?
Don’t see why they wouldn’t rotate staff every 3 or 4 weeks. Yes, maybe a hassle. But their chosen approach has let one of the key team members become rusty, resentful and unenthusiastic about ever returning.
AudiMan9000 said:
The nature of my job has changed in the time I’ve been off, so yes I’m now at a big disadvantage. Definitely feel like a woman on maternity leave.
Don’t see why they wouldn’t rotate staff every 3 or 4 weeks. Yes, maybe a hassle. But their chosen approach has let one of the key team members become rusty, resentful and unenthusiastic about ever returning.
So what would you ideally want your Employer to do to fix things?Don’t see why they wouldn’t rotate staff every 3 or 4 weeks. Yes, maybe a hassle. But their chosen approach has let one of the key team members become rusty, resentful and unenthusiastic about ever returning.
They can't Unfurlough you if there isn't any work.
You could ask for rotation (your colleagues might be quite pleased to have some time off)
If they rotated you would that address the rusty/resentful/unenthusiastic issues?
Would "continuing on furlough but a guarantee that you wouldnt be made redundant" help?
Countdown said:
AudiMan9000 said:
The nature of my job has changed in the time I’ve been off, so yes I’m now at a big disadvantage. Definitely feel like a woman on maternity leave.
Don’t see why they wouldn’t rotate staff every 3 or 4 weeks. Yes, maybe a hassle. But their chosen approach has let one of the key team members become rusty, resentful and unenthusiastic about ever returning.
So what would you ideally want your Employer to do to fix things?Don’t see why they wouldn’t rotate staff every 3 or 4 weeks. Yes, maybe a hassle. But their chosen approach has let one of the key team members become rusty, resentful and unenthusiastic about ever returning.
They can't Unfurlough you if there isn't any work.
You could ask for rotation (your colleagues might be quite pleased to have some time off)
If they rotated you would that address the rusty/resentful/unenthusiastic issues?
Would "continuing on furlough but a guarantee that you wouldnt be made redundant" help?
AudiMan9000 said:
The damage is done now. But I think more communication, regular updates, some reassurance, some explanation as to the basis for their decisions, discussion of rotate even if they ultimately preferred not to do that. The approach they’ve taken has left me feeling like a ghost.
I'd definitely raise it with your line manager, preferably face to face. If not then i'd email him with your concerns. If not happy then id email HIS manager. If still not happy then its a grievance to HR.That's the normal escalation path if you have any issues that you're not happy with. Exactly how far up that line you choose to go depends on how unhappy you are and how far you want to push things, bearing in mind that these courses of action do tend to cause friction in relationships.
I’m certainly going to apply for other jobs, rather than put all my eggs in one basket. I think the spirit of what I’m asking is this...
A long period of furlough has had psychological effects on me. My morale and enthusiasm is gone. I feel dispirited and resentful. My skills are rusty, my knowledge fading, my experience starting to count for very little. Did my employers not owe me a duty of care to take proactive steps to prevent this? Or is this par for the course when it comes to furlough and my cross to bear?
A long period of furlough has had psychological effects on me. My morale and enthusiasm is gone. I feel dispirited and resentful. My skills are rusty, my knowledge fading, my experience starting to count for very little. Did my employers not owe me a duty of care to take proactive steps to prevent this? Or is this par for the course when it comes to furlough and my cross to bear?
AudiMan9000 said:
Or is this par for the course when it comes to furlough and my cross to bear?
Hard to say as I doubt many people (if anybody in the UK) has been furloughed before. The few people I know who have been furloughed are having the time of their life as they're getting paid 80% for no work. In fact I think there's been some resentment from the people who've not been furloughed against those that have. In terms of duty of care our HR team have been sending out numerous emails on mental health and well being and managers are getting constant reminders of staying in touch with all staff. So it looks like some employers are going above and beyond and others potentially arent being as pro-active.Quick story - at one place where a family member works staff have been told to self isolate for 14 days (on full pay) if they experience symptoms of COVID. (Apparently some staff have had 3 separate periods of self isolation). Those staff who don't self-isolate have been promised a 1 week bonus payment. However now the staff who have taken periods of self isolation have complained that they too should be given the one week bonus pay....damned if you do, damned if you don't
AudiMan9000 said:
I’m certainly going to apply for other jobs, rather than put all my eggs in one basket. I think the spirit of what I’m asking is this...
A long period of furlough has had psychological effects on me. My morale and enthusiasm is gone. I feel dispirited and resentful. My skills are rusty, my knowledge fading, my experience starting to count for very little. Did my employers not owe me a duty of care to take proactive steps to prevent this? Or is this par for the course when it comes to furlough and my cross to bear?
Treat the next few weeks like you are on notice. Put a full time effort into finding that next roll. Work out your finances. Talk through with wife and Kids (teenagers are very inventive) the issues. A long period of furlough has had psychological effects on me. My morale and enthusiasm is gone. I feel dispirited and resentful. My skills are rusty, my knowledge fading, my experience starting to count for very little. Did my employers not owe me a duty of care to take proactive steps to prevent this? Or is this par for the course when it comes to furlough and my cross to bear?
In another post you sound very despondent.
It's very stressful, and you will become I'll, if you don't share this with friends and family.
(Says the bloke who was in hospital a week ago having had a heart attack possibly because of stress )
Pit Pony said:
AudiMan9000 said:
I’m certainly going to apply for other jobs, rather than put all my eggs in one basket. I think the spirit of what I’m asking is this...
A long period of furlough has had psychological effects on me. My morale and enthusiasm is gone. I feel dispirited and resentful. My skills are rusty, my knowledge fading, my experience starting to count for very little. Did my employers not owe me a duty of care to take proactive steps to prevent this? Or is this par for the course when it comes to furlough and my cross to bear?
Treat the next few weeks like you are on notice. Put a full time effort into finding that next roll. Work out your finances. Talk through with wife and Kids (teenagers are very inventive) the issues. A long period of furlough has had psychological effects on me. My morale and enthusiasm is gone. I feel dispirited and resentful. My skills are rusty, my knowledge fading, my experience starting to count for very little. Did my employers not owe me a duty of care to take proactive steps to prevent this? Or is this par for the course when it comes to furlough and my cross to bear?
In another post you sound very despondent.
It's very stressful, and you will become I'll, if you don't share this with friends and family.
(Says the bloke who was in hospital a week ago having had a heart attack possibly because of stress )
AudiMan9000 said:
The nature of what I do means it would be premature to start that now.
It's never too early imho.I'd be thinking about networking, even if you don't want to start applying for more stuff now - I'd make sure that your contacts are all up to date and that you are using LinkedIn etc - send a message to as many people as possible to start putting yourself in their minds - give yourself a target to hit.
A lot of jobs come from who you know and it requires effort to build and manage that network. A friendly message now might put you in a better place in a few months time.
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