Career Manager

A client is making unwanted advances to me? They are important to the business and I am their main contact. How can I handle this without the risk of losing their business?

You must speak to your line manager, both for the benefit of you and the business, and before this gets out of control. You must ensure they know what is going on, and ask them how you should handle this situation. There may be a policy? If not, your line manager or HR are the best people to speak to. They will be able to deal with it in the most appropriate manner.

I am in an office relationship. How do I handle this?

Do you manage your partner or do they manage you? If there is a reporting line, even a dotted line you need to be open and honest about this. Are you new to the company? Check the policy on office relationships.

I am gay. Will this affect my career prospects and should I be open about it?

No, the Equality Act 2010 gives protection from discrimination because of sexual orientation. This includes orientation towards someone of the same sex (lesbian or gay men), opposite sex (heterosexual) or both sexes (bisexual). The law means that an organisation's recruitment and selection procedures, as well as employment policies must not discriminate because of sexual orientation.

It is totally up to you if you wish to have your sexual orientation revealed. However, some employers may want to record data for equality and diversity monitoring. In either case, any data held should be held confidentially and securely so that no one's status can be inappropriately disclosed or deduced and procedures to access benefits should be similarly secure.

My company does not allow for my religious festivals to be taken as paid leave in addition to my annual leave. Can I challenge this?

It is unlawful to discriminate against workers because of their religion or belief or lack of religion or belief. Employers should ensure they have policies, but if they don't, why not speak to them. Many employers have found that making adaptations to their working practices makes good business sense. It makes their business more attractive. However, your employer does not have to give you time off and facilities for religious observance but they should try to do so where possible. For example, if you request a prayer room and there is a suitable room available, you could ask to use it, provided it does not disrupt others.

I am junior to the firm but would like to make myself known to the partners. How can I do this?

As a junior, you are there to learn, try to attend as many open meetings/seminars the partners or their team hold. Check with the partners' office if they need any specific assistance with something, no matter how menial it may seem, it will get you noticed if you are enthusiastic. Show you are willing to take on work for them (ensuring of course this does not conflict with your time for any work your line manager needs you to do). Have you a piece of work that you are very proud of, did it influence/inspire/challenge or bring in some new business? If so, make it known to the partners, either via your manager or if an appropriate opportunity has come along

My boss is flirting with me? What should I do? If I make a complaint to HR will it be held against me? How will it be handled if I do?

“Flirting” is inappropriate behaviour in the workplace any unwanted behaviour that makes someone feel intimidated or degraded or humiliated or offended is a type of Harassment. It is not necessarily always obvious or apparent to others, so it can happen in the workplace without an employer's awareness. Harassment is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010.

If you cannot deal with this directly with your boss, (which would be the best solution, just a very calm conversation with him that it makes you uncomfortable and you do not like it), you do need to talk to someone about this. People do not always feel able or confident enough to complain, particularly if the harasser is a manager or senior executive. If there is no policy to help advise you, on the best way to handle this, you must speak to HR or another line manager whom you feel is professional and approachable. They can deal with this on your behalf. They will investigate the complaint appropriately and hopefully resolve the matter amicably. This should not affect your employment record in anyway.

I am a woman in a predominately male team and often feel excluded from the camaraderie and think this may be detrimental to my career prospects. What advice can you offer?

This is a difficult one, and depends on how you feel excluded? Do your team go on team nights out? Have lunch together etc. It is tricky, but you may initially have to make more of an effort with your team, go to everything you can, so that you gain experiences outside work with them. Find out their interests, their favourite team etc. Career prospects come in a variety of ways, being part of a team is important, but so is the willingness to work well together, produce good work and adaptability.

I feel bullied by one or two or my colleagues. What can I do about this? If I make an official complaint will the situation get worse?

Bullying means any unwanted behaviour that makes someone feel intimidated or degraded or humiliated or offended. It is not necessarily always obvious or apparent to others, so it can happen in the workplace without an employer's awareness. Can you talk “off the record” to your line manager or another line manager or HR, who could advise you on how to deal with this. Very often, “bullies”, when approached are so shocked and embarrassed at being approached they back off immediately. However, if you are uncomfortable doing this, HR or your line manager could mediate a meeting with you, this would ensure both sides are allowed to openly discuss why this behaviour is happening and move on from it. This need not be “official”, but will hopefully put an end to any unrest.

My company is offering voluntary redundancy. If I take it, will it affect my career prospects?

No, it shouldn't, if this is the right thing for you to take, then go ahead. Find out why your company are offering this, is it one specific department or a general need to reduce headcount. Be mindful of your CV, have you lots of jobs over a short period of time, if you do, you must be able to explain clearly the reasons for your changes.

I am looking to move jobs. I have two small children. Should I tell this to potential employers? Could it affect my prospects of getting a job?

It shouldn't affect them but you don't want someone to pre judge you before they even meet you! The only information you need to put on your CV is information relevant to the job that you are applying for, that is your work experience and qualifications. This is all that prospective employers need to know.

I have a problem at work. If I make a complaint to HR, how will it be handled and will it be held against my future prospects?

HR's job, in this instance is to advise you on how to deal with this complaint. If you have come to them in confidence, it will remain in confidence. Your HR contact may well have to consult with other colleagues on this issue (depending on what it is) but this will be dealt with sensitively, and always consulting with you first. There is no reason why it will be held against your future prospects.

I am unhappy at work and would like to transfer to another team. How do I do this? Can it be done without telling my current manager? If they have to be informed and there are not options to transfer, I am afraid it will be held against me.

Why you are unhappy at work should be dealt with first, as this is not likely to be solved by moving to another team, you will just be moving the problem? If the problem is your current manager (which I am assuming it is, as you don't want to tell them), you will need to tell a manager or HR, as the manager in the other team will want a reference and to know why your moving? The most sensible way to do this is to try to speak to either your HR contact or another line manager on how best to move.

I am junior in the team and often given a heavy workload that means I am usually the last in the office. I am unhappy about this. What can I do?

Talk to your manager immediately, they may not be aware that you are working so late, and the work is taking so long. Is the work you are doing too difficult or just too much? They will then be able to manage your workload more affectively with you. It may be a case of getting the rest of the team to help with any backlog and then start afresh with a timeline on how long things are taking you? Your manager may advise some sort of a time management course to assist you with your workload. It is essential at this stage in your career that you learn to manage your workload and time effectively.

 

Audrey Manzi, HR Professional