Legal news and trends for Canadian in-house counsel and c-suite executives
Issue link: https://digital.canadianlawyermag.com/i/1376668
www.canadianlawyermag.com/inhouse 31 3. You have to 'act' in a higher role before you're promoted It's common to get told you need to step up your responsibilities to prove your worth. But if "acting" in the next role goes on for too long, the advantage can again pass from you gaining experience to your employer getting excellent skills for less pay. 4. People are promoted around you If you've got the credentials and factual evidence to deserve a promotion yet continually miss out, your employer might not be seeing your true worth. More worrying, and harder to fix, could be signs of favouritism, sexism or ageism. 7. Overtime is expected, and you aren't given time in lieu We've all read that clause in contracts that says "extra hours may be necessary." However, when overtime is systemic and no time in lieu is offered, the business has you in its claws. We see this when people travel for work — enduring overnight flights or early morning trips with no time off. 8. You can't be sick on sick days Sick used to mean staying at home and sweating out the bug. However, tech- nology has shifted the expectations of many bosses for their employees to be on 24/7. If your boss insists you stay online when you should be recovering, or receiving text messages and countless emails on the weekend from your boss doesn't sound out of place, it's a sign you're being overworked. 9. You're not being trained for growth Every good employer should encourage the development of their employees. If your employer isn't investing in your training or opportunities, you could be in a one-way relationship. If some of these signs ring true, take time to consider the next phase of your career. Your professional pride, mental health, sense of purpose and financial future are too important. 5. You're not trusted to be autonomous If you have to run every move by your manager or aren't trusted to manage your schedule or clients your own way, your abilities may not be recognized. In extreme situations, you could be being micro-managed, which can be quite destructive to growth. 6. Your input is curtailed When you share innovative ideas in meetings or suggest positive ways to improve processes and it's clear your input isn't welcome, it's a concerning sign. In some cases, insecure managers won't let you shine, which is not only letting you but also the business down. A recruitment expert and the founder and director of Agency Iceberg, Anna O'Dea has placed thousands of employees in the best workplaces. O'Dea is also the founder of #LeadingLadies, an award- winning interview series featuring C-suite professionals' career journeys. For more information, visit agencyiceberg.com.au.