Furlough and promotion

[Tofflee]

I work for a company that has been hit really hard by Covid. Most of staff have been on furlough for the past year and only now coming back for a day or two a week. In the meantime there’s been a big change in how the company is being run and ownership. As a result of this someone who has started with the company last winter on a managerial level has been promoted a director. The longer I think about it the more cross I am. As someone who’s been with a company for a number of years and seen the whole of my department loosing jobs last summer, I see it as very unfair, to the point that I’m ready to look for another job. I don’t know the reasoning behind the decision and there maybe the person really deserves this recognition. It does seem to be a really strange timing though as the possibility of the company not making it through to the next year is still there.
I guess I just look for a place to vent rather than anything else. Or a different perspective as I might be seeing this situation through my anger.

I’m not sure I’m following why it’s unfair? Unfair on you, do you mean? Was there an opportunity for you to apply for a directorship?

Unfair on all the people who lost their jobs in the past few months and the ones who got to stay and struggle to make ends meet on the reduced pay and will see no bonus for two years running, never mind a promotion.
No, no opportunity. It was just announced during a team meeting that the person will become a director.

You do realise that appointing someone as a director isn’t just extra money/reward for them? It’s taking on a significant responsibility. Having the right directors in place at a time a company is either in/near crisis can make the difference between the company surviving and it going under, or between saving jobs and losing them.

A company needs directors and lower-paid staff not having had a bonus doesn’t change that.

It’s difficult without context - do you have reason to believe the ownership of the company would make this decision lightly, or badly? It feels like there must be more to it somehow?

Potentially also as a director he has lent them money or invested capital into the business too. Thus in difficult times he may actually be putting money in to help the business.

My guess would also be that they have put money into the company or have significant managerial qualities if they have been made a director under threat of the company going under. Given the precarious situation it might be a case of be careful what you wish for.

I’m nearly sure there's been no investment involved. This is due to the way in which company in owned.
It seemed like a very odd decision. We all sat in the teams meeting where it was announced as happy news. To most of us happy news would be some business this year and going back to work...
I’m trying not to sound bitter. We’re a small company and I know all directors really well and communicate with all of them often.
I certainly would not want the responsibility, especially considering the current situation. Just trying to understand the reasoning behind it. And if they really have the super leadership skills you talk about then that can only benefit us.

Why do you have a problem with it?