I’m getting managed out. Can I do anything, even for my own sanity?

[Anxiety17]

Name change here because I’m anxious about all of this.

im mid management level in a global company - management of the service rather than a people manager, if that makes sense, but seniority wise sitting at second in command of the team in the UK with three new employees under me.

been at the company four years, first three I absolutely flew - promoted, manager respected me, lots of responsibly etc.

got a new manager last year and me and them do not gel. Think very different viewpoints on life and also to be honest I think they were intimidated by me because I know the company and systems inside out. I’ve tried to remain cordial, polite, friendly at all times - I respect that they are above me. But there’s holes in their work, changing processes but not knowing the reason we do them etc.

I was promised progression at the start of the year in an area of responsibility but this was taken away and now slowly each of my responsibilities are getting removed too. I enjoy being under pressure and doing a lot, and I have seen this technique with colleagues to “manage them out”. It seems the new manager wants a fresh start and new team of more junior staff. I was concerned about redundancy but not so much now - at least I’d get a payout. But I’m concerned my life is getting made more and more difficult to make me leave.

a lot of weird happenings - eg edited messages on slack after one thing was requested and delivered in a certain way. Power plays like hyping up very normal work critique to something which feels insane (“you may want to sit down whilst I deliver this news”) etc, feeding back to me that “no one likes me”.

I’ve tried to go above but because this manager was a high profile hire, above him just protect him.

Unsure what to do. Unions not recognised, we don’t have a HR dept really and I’m worried about it becoming so unbearable. Am applying elsewhere but progress is slow for this type of role. Am writing down any conversations had as a log.

anyone been through similar?

I may be interested; can you send me the recommendation please?

Did they give you a payout?

Sorry to hear this. Same happened to me last year. I have a much better job now.

I’m still in the process - I imagine so as they usually make us sign NDAs. A lot of the reasons cited for the pip were small incidents from months ago no one ever mentioned to me. Feels so personal and I’m so scared - who do I put down as a reference for the last four years of my life?

OP this is terrible and I feel for you. Just know that you will get another job and move on from this horrible experience.

I'm so sorry this is happening to you, OP.

Make sure you get a reference agreed as part of your exit package. It should either have some agreed warm words about your performance, or be convincing as a factual reference from a company which only gives employment dates and role title.

And, you should have legal representation. In many cases the company actually pay for it, in settlement cases, so do ask. This is the time to raise all the points you were logging and push for a good package.

Thank you so much for responding here. I feel so stupid.
thanks for the info about an agreed reference
I also don’t think I’ve technically been on a pip as I’ve left before agreeing to it?
as if I’d be able to turn it around in 4 weeks when my manager wanted me out

Don't feel stupid, it's not your fault. Also agree re the legal advice - your company should pay for it, I think this is a legal requirement in these circumstances. Are they giving you a settlement?

This is awful @Anxiety17 😞. Ive been in exactly the same position and was consumed by the unfairness of it all. This had a really big impact on my mental health and I needed professional help to recover.

1. Can you get a reference from your last good manager. Not sure if you are in the UK where that is considered ok.
2. Agree a reason why you have left. I just said there was an internal reorg and an opportunity for me to progress elsewhere.
3. In your next role. Do not give your all.
4. LinkedIn shows your network. Update whilst current colleagues remember you ! Add it to your CV.
5. You need time away to recover from this corporate bullying.

I did rebuild and I did recover but much wiser and more careful. You will be ok.

I feel like this at the moment. The last few months have been hideous. I know I’ve been excluded from everything which makes you unable to do things which affects your confidence and you pick up on pack behaviour towards you - I’m an older woman with a hearing impairment n it’s a nightmare all round.

Do you have a lawyer? You need one. Your employer should pay some of their fees. If you have legal expenses on your home insurance that should cover you.

No lawyer yet but I believe they will offer. Has anyone fought or contested the reasons for the pip? I know it won’t get me the job back etc etc but is there any way you can prove it’s all been malicious and not in best faith

If you take the settlement, you waive your rights to fight anything.

If you want to bring a claim for unfair dismissal, don't accept it.

The advice I had was that I wasn't likely to get more in compensation than what they were offering me in terms of pay off. I decided my mental health wasn't worth it. If they're offering you a good amount, my advice would be to take it and move on.

A good lawyer will get you a higher settlement

@Anxiety17 Get a lawyer ASAP. A good employment lawyer. You should also consider submitting a DSAR.
So shitty of them to force your hand this way. I’m sorry.

It depends. My company were hard nosed and weren't willing to negotiate. I got 6 month's salary but if I'd been made redundant it would have been close to a year's salary.

How crappy.

My friend has just been managed out. Definitely get some outside support to get the best financial compensation you can. Also negotiate a reference in your package.

Been there, and also been senior HR. Forget the PIP. It’s no longer relevant. Also grievances, tribunals whatever. The focus now is forwards. Looking back will only hurt you. As pp say, get a good employment lawyer and get them to pay for it as part of your package. The lawyer will achieve much more for you than you can get yourself. Make sure a reference is agreed.