Hiring/promotiom freeze - any experience?

[Sawpaw]

please forgive typo in title - obviously I mean ‘promotion’ 😂

Feeling very frustrated right now. Joined a great company a year ago, took a pay cut to get in the door, and a role that was (just slightly) below my level. Everyone (my boss, and her bosses boss!) was aware of this - I was told explicitly that I would be promoted within a year ‘at the very most’ on numerous occasions.

Within a fairly short space of time, it became clear that I am doing the more senior role without the title and pay, but I kept being told promotion was imminent.

It was just about to be signed off by HR over a month ago - I was literally asked to write the job spec to replace my current role - and then in light of the tariffs/alarm over the economy (we are a global company and this has an impact) a decree came down from the Founder/CEO that all internal promotions, and all external hires (unless absolutely essential), are frozen until further notice.

My manager is incredibly apologetic, and while I think they have taken slight advantage up until now, it’s pretty much out of her hands until the freeze is over.

I think the word has got out in my sector that this is going on (I’m not the only person waiting on promotion/pissed off!) and I’ve had an approach from another company about a role that is more senior and better paid. I will meet them and see…but deep down I don’t want to leave my current company, I just want to be promoted officially and paid properly for the work I’m actually already doing!

Has anyone got any advice/experience? Any idea how long freezes last?!

Have just seen a thread about someone’s DH going through similar - I almost wonder if we are at the same company!

This has happened at pretty much every company I've worked for at varying points (banks/FS) and there's generally always been ways around it if senior leaders are willing to jump through multiple hoops. But I'd say that's probably more likely in a big organisation than a small one where costs may be a more tangible concern.

I think you just need to be upfront when you've spoken to the other company - tell your boss you are considering pursuing external roles now in light of the pause on your promotion, if there's a genuine will to keep you then there will be a way

Every company I’ve ever worked for has done this at some point! You could probably fight harder for it but a) you’d have to be willing to actually walk away/resign if they don’t give it to you, and b) you may be labelled as ‘not a team player’ if they do give it to you (absolute BS in my opinion as anyone above you won’t be taking a pay-cut to keep the company afloat - but I’ve definitely seen the mentality of ‘we’re trying to keep costs low but X is insisting we pay her more or she’ll leave - great teamwork there’) which could effect your career in the long run.

If I were you I’d make it clear you’re not happy and expect what you were promise as soon as the freeze is lifted, and wait it out.

This has just happened at my global company - no promotions, no external hires, no pay rises this summer. They’re going to review it in 6 months, apparently… it’s not the first time my company has done this.

I have been part of a multinational billion pound business. Every so often there would be hiring /promotion freezes. They have lasted up to a year. Better than been laid off I guess. Protects the current work force in difficult times. Your only option is to wait it out or leave. Bare in mind that you will newest at the next company you move to so could be more vulnerable. It isn’t professional to “talk of threat of leaving” your manager and HR likely are not able to make decisions here

Unfortunately there are a lot of people in this position and some are much worse - some brilliant and talented young people who can't get a first job and experienced people being made redundant or nudged out by pressure.
You will just have to be patient - a promise isnt a contract

Yes it’s fairly normal. I was made head of dept after my boss was laid off and told it was an extension of my existing responsibilities so no pay rise. Fast forward 1.5 years I was laid off also and my team started reporting into another. 7 people have since left as they’d had enough but they are not replacing them and simply increased their billable target making them work even harder (3). Glad I’m out of it! Go and explore other jobs! No one is loyal to staff at the moment during these tough times. Everyone is replaceable so take decisive action on what is right for you as no one else will on your behalf

Joined a great company a year ago, took a pay cut to get in the door, and a role that was (just slightly) below my level. Everyone (my boss, and her bosses boss!) was aware of this - I was told explicitly that I would be promoted within a year ‘at the very most’ on numerous occasions.

You undersold and undervalued yourself and have been under paid and over worked for a year always accepting a carrot being dangled just out of reach will be yours "some day".

They did not value your input 9 months ago or 6 months ago or 3 months ago why do you think they will invest in your future?

all internal promotions, and all external hires (unless absolutely essential),

So... Oops sorry but you are not essential better luck next year?

Or... Take the other job and dont look back.

You got headhunted by an organisation as an outsider looking in which sees your worth they are looking at you as someone they want as you bring value.

Price the role at the higher end of the market and take the job if its offered.

[(Edit) Make sure the contract has golden handcuffs and a golden parachute to make you more expensive to let go over the short term economic downturn]