I have been working for my current employer for almost two years.

Anonymous

September 26,2021 at 2:04PM UTC

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I have been working for my current employer for almost two years.

A few months after I started, Covid-19 hit and as an online school, we grew about 700% in a year.

We worked hard, very hard. There was no bonus, even though money was streaming in. After I'd worked a year, I expected a raise at least matching inflation. But there was nothing again. The cost of living increases all the time but I have do with the same income.

We operate solely online, so I had a Zoom meeting with someone in HR, who said they had no idea and I had to contact the HR manager. I emailed her, asking about leave that wasn't carried over from last year (it still hasn't been) and about the performance appraisals mentioned in my contract that never happened that could possible have increased my salary. I didn't hear back. I followed up two weeks later and still nothing. This was months ago.

I posted before about how this place is run by nepotism and how I was moved to this department without being given a choice. I was advised here to seek other employement and I have been, even before I made that post. I don't know where else to turn, because the HR manager is the CEO's daughter, and the one-person legal department is her husband.

My supervisor just shrugs and says oh, [insert name here] never emails back.

So what do I do as an employee when even HR ignores me?

Note: I live and work in South Africa.

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AnonymousSeptember 26,2021 at 3:13PM UTC
I'm not educated on the labor laws in your country but if a buyer is run by a family who only cares about their family members, there might not be much you can do. Is there an outside agency or government department that you can file a complaint with regarding your leave not being carried over?
As far as your transfer and lack of raises, in the U.S. I know that there is no law or requirement that forces a company to grant raises or requires a company to gain permission or agreement from an employment on reassignment of their position. If a company needs to reorganize how the workforce is allocated they are free to do what's best for the company. In your case it sounds like this family will do what's best for them.
Healthcare workerSeptember 27,2021 at 12:18PM UTC
There is nothing you can do as an employee in this situation other than leave. I’m glad to hear you are working on that stick to that plan, put all your energy in that plan, and leave this place behind.
AnonymousSeptember 27,2021 at 12:52PM UTC
Grow your network and make sure that your resume is updated. Join LinkedIn if you haven’t already. Please search for another position.
BethBSeptember 27,2021 at 12:52PM UTC
Asked and answered already. I think you know the answer and are understandably frustrated.
What do you do as an employee when even HR ignores you? You leave. It doesn’t matter what country you are from. The answer isn’t going to change.
Robyn McCabria KelsoSeptember 27,2021 at 1:06PM UTC
Sounds like you've done all the correct moves to try and resolve this. I'd get my resume ready to send out and begin searching while continuing to professionally complete my work as best as possible. Good luck!
AnonymousSeptember 27,2021 at 1:25PM UTC
There is nothing you can do. All of the people in power are blocking you so you need to move on or accept your current situation
Donna MacdonaldSeptember 27,2021 at 2:07PM UTC
I have to agree that you should move on. Being ghosted by the HR department is just not right and cannot be helping your self-esteem. I think you need to take control of your own career and follow some companies that you respect. Good luck!
AnneSeptember 27,2021 at 2:32PM UTC
I'd find a new job.
MeredithSeptember 27,2021 at 3:15PM UTC
Go up a level from your supervisor to their supervisor. If that doesnt work level up from there; all the way to the CEO if your performance reviews and increases were part of a contract.
I would also continue looking for another role. You do not want to be stuck where you are recognized and appreciated.
Sarah LarsonSeptember 27,2021 at 4:32PM UTC
I would say this qualifies as a time to quit without another job lined up to protect your mental health. However, do what you feel is right. If you want to stay and can see yourself making a real impact on an organization that aligns to your purpose - by all means. Especially if you can see a leader in the organization that you'd like to be someday or want to follow. If both of those are a no, good riddance and hasta la pasta to this organization.
Joanna PoeSeptember 27,2021 at 7:10PM UTC
Does this person have a phone number you could try calling? I have learned that some people are simply unreasonably bad at email, in every profession, at every level, and you need to find alternate ways of getting in touch.
Annetta MosesSeptember 28,2021 at 2:40AM UTC
I am not familiar with labor laws in South Africa. My response is what I know based on the United States. Unless, you have a work contract that specifically details pay increases based on time, it is unlikely you will get a raise. Pay increases based on performance are achieved with the company is honestly evaluating work. It is easy to say that detailed performance requirements were not met and to withhold pay increases.
Good luck finding a new position.
AnonymousSeptember 28,2021 at 7:06AM UTC
It’s a No Win Situation. Look for another position where you will be getting paid for the work you do. The nepotism is a very bad situation one to walk away from.
Michelle PrinceSeptember 28,2021 at 4:02PM UTC
Join another company.
Alex WebsSeptember 28,2021 at 7:02PM UTC
Start your own company and bury them. Lol
Seriously, do your own thing. They sound *awful*. So sorry.
AnonymousSeptember 29,2021 at 6:22PM UTC
you're not going to get anywhere, but you already know that. Forget trying to talk with unreasonable people. Take your positive energy elsewhere. they don't deserve you.