A bit of context: I work in a small group of 9 people total, run by 3 partners. Over 6 years already. The group is very successful and the partners make quite a bit of money, with 20% annual growth.
This month, they have instituted the following HR changes:
- everyone must be in the office by 9:00am (used to be much more flexible)
- cannot take more than 10 consecutive business days for vacation (I've taken 12 before, and it was just fine; group runs smoothly and we cover for each other well)
A bunch of additional little (petty) things were also codified and written up as policy:
- leaving earlier than 2pm will count as a 1/2 vacation day
- at least a week's notice is required if to take more than 1 vacation/personal day
To be clear, these are not the rules from the big corporation we are a part of, these are much more restrictive and specific. These rules do not come about as a result of any problem or underperformance, just a preemptive strike.
To me, this is a major departure from previous policies, and very demoralizing. They also come on top of an (aborted) attempt to cut our salaries - to turn 10% of our fixed salary into a bonus verging on annual performance review. There was a revolt in the ranks, and the partners backed down. But I used up all of my clout fighting that salary change, and have nothing left for the vacation change.
Everything about this is infuriating. It's a massive step backwards; it's punitive and restrictive. The max 10 business days off irks me so damn much. I really want to tell them to eff off. But... am I overreacting?
The work itself I really like. It's only gotten more interesting lately, and I have a tremendous opportunity right now there if I stick around and work hard - to move up. But, now I know that this move up won't come with better hours or longer vacations, and honestly, longer vacations is my SOLE motivation for anything.
So, tell me, aside from the huge sense of betrayal, are these reasonable corporate policies?
This seems, from the size of your group, to be one of two things: one or more of the partners has ambitions and/or an ego, and wants to exert more control, or there is a problem with one or two of the associates taking advantage and stretching the flex as far as it will go, counting on the atmosphere of goodwill among their coworkers/colleagues to allow them to get away with it. If the latter case, maybe you should ask someone responsible for these policies if there is some sort of problem or trend they are meant to rectify.
Clarifying the expectations of the partners and associates in regard to attendance and remuneration (of which vacation time is a form), respectively might help find a way to preempt friction arising as a result of casual and loosely outlined policies. Of course, if it is a problem with one or more of the bosses getting a big head, you're probably stuck.
“Tolerance is the virtue of the man without convictions.” GK Chesteron
Inde muagdhe Aes Sedai misain ye!
Deus Vult!
*MySmiley*
