Paid administrative leave.

Julie

February 18,2023 at 1:24PM UTC

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Paid administrative leave.

Hi everyone I was told 2 days ago I am on paid administrative leave the next 2 weeks, nothing more with details or anything. This has never happened to me before and I’m a first generation professional working woman so Google is confusing. What are my rights in this situation or what is supposed to happen? I’m confused because I work as a contractor for company A and company B is where I do my work all the time the past few years and all of a sudden company B doesn’t want me there anymore? I was told I am going to be re-assigned to another role/project but will meet with my HR representative next week to discuss all of this but I feel unsettled by the situation.

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AnonymousFebruary 18,2023 at 3:12PM UTC
As a contractor there are so many reasons this can happen that have nothing to do with your performance. For example, the project may need to scale down, and the money for your spot was cut. Or, the project may be ending completely. Both simply mean, that someone -- not considering your performance -- decided that they no longer needed your position.
The thing with contract work is that "all of a sudden" is always a real possibility. Company B pays Company A to manage you, so that they can use their labor as long as they want. So, when they decide that is not the case, they simply call Company A (the ones that pay you) and let them know.
In a direct hire role, if you were not doing the job you may be warned on a performance improvement plan, which would soften the "all of a sudden" blow.
This doesn't happen with contract work (often, I am sure there are cases when it does, but never in my experience).
BUT, most of the time. They simply no longer need you exact skills to fill a gap in their company. It has nothing to do with you. The company (B) needs changed and "all of a sudden" you are told to move on.
All you can really do is go to the meeting with HR and hear them out.
The fact that they are even telling you and that you will be reassigned is, to me, a good sign.
In the meantime, realize this likely has nothing to do with you personally. Business needs simply changed and you got caught in the middle.
Good luck.
AnonymousFebruary 20,2023 at 1:31PM UTC
I am not sure I fully understand the situation but I agree with the poster below that it is probably just your contracting agency having a gap in reassigning you. Be glad you are being paid while they do that!
If you googled “paid administrative leave” it probably sounded scary because that’s what often happens to people in public-sector jobs, where the firing process is much more drawn out, while an investigation of wrongdoing is taking place. And if it’s a high-profile person or department, it makes the news so what you are finding on Google might be more ominous than it just being the language your Company A uses for a situation when they need to sort out some administrative issues.
Janell MogusFebruary 21,2023 at 1:39PM UTC
Being a contractor (and a subcontractor as it sounds), this happens. It is actually happening to me currently also. It could be that the client/customer lost funding for your position. It doesn’t mean it is a representation of your performance or that they don’t like you. Talk to HR, talk to your company manager. Ask what your options are. Are they going to reassign you or is it up to you to find your next position? And how long will they keep you on Administrative Leave? Good luck!
Afo Ogbeyalu KaluFebruary 21,2023 at 1:52PM UTC
Company A should have been given notice, and should have the specifics of your particular situation.
Eloisa JacintoFebruary 21,2023 at 6:11PM UTC
Hi, sorry to hear about your situation. Please check with your HR (legal employer) first. They should be able yo clear things with you. Regards.
AnonymousFebruary 21,2023 at 8:45PM UTC
The company might be getting ready to do a reorg or restructure and you might be in the crosshairs of that change. Wait for the conversation with HR and then you can see how to proceed. Take notes in the conversation so that your emotions don't get the best of your ability to listen and process what is going on. Ask some questions - come prepared. You are being paid which is good and that is a sign that they want to retain you in some fashion. Not knowing what your role is- size of company etc. IF its something driven by a customer who may not longer be a customer or a shift in the business hang tight for more details before you take this too personally. It's hard, yes I know but it sounds like a business decision that is on the precipice.
AnonymousFebruary 21,2023 at 9:56PM UTC
You are a contractor, so that means you get paid more for risks like this. If you are now "sitting on the bench" for two weeks, consider that your two week notice. This means that if they are not able to place you somewhere else for billing purposes within the next two weeks, then they will most likely keep you as a backup without pay or let you go completely. How long have you been with Company A? Company B has either decided to abandon/eliminate the project, outsource it to someone else, or replace it totally. Hopefully, the decision has nothing to do with your performance, but if it does, then expect some fallout. Otherwise, get ready for your next assignment!