When Your Boss's Expectations Exceed Your Job Description

Lxtonite on 06/04/2017 - 09:17
Last edited 06/04/2017 - 09:18

I'm writing this on behalf of a friend, I'd just like your opinions/thoughts. Sorry if this sounds a bit vague but I wish to protect the identities of all involved.

They work for a very small company as a manager, because of the size of the company the role involves a lot of activities which complete fills up their day. The owner of the company is quite frugal with their money when it comes to spending it on employees, but seems happy to spend it on himself when entertaining clients (so it's not like he's strapped for cash).

It is likely that the owner is going to ask for some additional effort so launch a new product which requires specific knowledge of a technical nature. Whilst my friend is perfectly qualified to undertake this, it was not part of their job description and definitely at least one pay grade higher. They feel the owner will just want to get the result they require 'on the cheap'.

Whilst they are reluctant to help in this matter my friend is also conscience of the fact this could sour relations and being such a small company this would have a huge impact on their workday. The work involved is quite specialised and roles like these don't come around to often so although they are looking for a new company to work for it's no an easy way out.

Does anyone have any advice on a good way to deal with this?

Thanks and once again, sorry for the vagueness!

Education & Work

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 06/04/2017 - 09:18
    -4

    don't like your job, then leave….

    • B2 on 06/04/2017 - 09:22

      thank you for intelligent input, all knowing oracle.

  • dasher86 on 06/04/2017 - 09:33
    +8

    a job description and role are ever revolving.
    complete this job well then ask for a payrise.

  • oscargamer on 06/04/2017 - 09:43
    +4

    do broach the subject before this task is complete indicating that it's something they are happy to do, but it should come with a pay increase

  • Halo375 on 06/04/2017 - 09:50
    +7

    I think the employee needs to feel comfortable in what they're worth. They need to be able to talk honestly with their boss (schedule some time, don't just drop in) about their workload and the time they have to commit to something new. They need to be able to sell themselves - explain what they can do and why they're the right person for the job. They then need to realistically explain why they need to be paid more, and define a number - don't leave it to the boss to work out the amount.

    If the employee is confident, states their case well and knows their value - then they should be okay. The working relationship is a professional one, not a friendly one - do your homework and be prepared to move on if the employer does not agree. Applying for other jobs outside the business to understand your value is a potentially good idea - you don't need to accept those jobs but it's good to know what you're worth on the open market.

  • mskeggs on 06/04/2017 - 10:05
    +3

    oscargamer and vinesde are both on the money.
    The only thing I would add is that there is a danger when you have lots of experience and specialisation that you are worth a lot in a current role, but much less for a new role.
    Unfortunately, current employers don't always respect that value, leaving you to accept what they offer, as they know you can't beat it elsewhere or take it on the chin and move on to both your detriments if you can't reach agreement. If you get into this trap, you end up a bit handcuffed as you can't get a pay rise where you are, and you can't get an increase by moving.

    • [Deactivated] on 06/04/2017 - 12:44

      ^^ my life right there

  • railspider on 06/04/2017 - 10:24
    +3

    Do the technical job for free.
    Develop some critical features that require your 'friends' specific knowledge.
    Ask for the payrise, with the implication you'll quit and leave the product useless.
    ???
    Profit!

    • Efendy on 06/04/2017 - 13:18
      +3

      Is his friend the lead scientist for the death star? :)

    • mskeggs on 06/04/2017 - 13:44
      +1

      I get this is tongue in cheek, but if I was the boss and somebody tried this on me they would be top of my list to replace in the short term.

  • geek001 on 06/04/2017 - 10:34

    What is the boss asking for? Will the additional effort means longer hours? Are the longer hours going to be ongoing?

    My boss asks me to work on something new all the time, but as long as I am not constantly doing unpaid overtime, I am normally quite excited at getting to learn something new while being paid for it.

    I think your friend should be happy to work on something above "their" pay grade, unless "they" only want a job to get by and nothing more. If the boss is stingy with money, maybe ask for a title bump? That doesn't cost anything.

  • hotmustardsauce on 06/04/2017 - 11:51
    -4

    In a small company, you should expect to work outside your immediate remit. This is part of the more hands on and entrepreneurial nature of working in a smaller firm that cannot afford separate functions.

    You either put up or leave. Personally I would hate to employ someone like your "friend" who would expect more money for doing something extra. Does not sound like a team player

  • supnigs super skids on 06/04/2017 - 11:58
    -1

    Hey, when you're the boss you'd expect all your direct reports to be your beaches." Friend " needs to get in line, or be the boss.

  • tsunamisurfer on 06/04/2017 - 12:22
    +1

    In almost all my roles done since day 1 my tasks have expanded outside the Job Description Form.

    In most cases it has been a positive thing :

    • I am exposed to new tasks, new skills, new technologies.
    • I demonstrate that I am willing to learn and develop on my own.
    • I can make a better case when it comes time for remuneration review.

    There were times I was taken advantage of, particularly as a junior and in a small organisation. In that case, I left after I got the experience I wanted and found something else.

  • kywst on 06/04/2017 - 12:44
    +1

    SWIY is covered under the Fair Work Act 2009 and is protected against adverse action when enquiring about work conditions or pay. On paper this means their day to day shouldn't be impacted by an enquiry but in practice it could lead to stirred waters. If it does negatively impact their day to day the recourse would be to raise it with the Fair Work Commission after seeking legal advice and speaking to the Fair Work Ombudsman.

    Fair Work Website
    General Protections

    • Hardlyworkin on 08/04/2017 - 09:56

      The problem lies in the difference between what legislation states and real life… Adverse action sounds great in theory but trying to prove it is another thing!

  • xtonite on 06/04/2017 - 13:27
    +1

    Thanks for all your comments, they're really appreciated and I'll pass them on.

    Unfortunately this is not the first time this has occurred, their current roles go above and beyond the initial job description. Hopefully, with some gentle negotiation their boss will realise the situation that is occuring and either offer some financial benefit or employ additional resources.

  • Seraphin7 on 07/04/2017 - 09:15

    As you say, the problem description is quite vague which makes commenting difficult.

    You say this is for a "product launch". This typically means the product has been built and is now being launched so there are a series of marketing/promotional activities required. This is typically a fairly short term event that I would quite happily describe as "additional effort" in the bounds of a good working relationship.

    On the other hand, if you mean this is about product development then it's a bit of a different story. That said, I'd probably take it as an opportunity for your friend to demonstrate higher value to the company and then negotiate for a revised job role/pay grade. Worst case scenario your friend has demonstrated their ability to utilise these more valuable skills in a commercial environment that can only increase their appeal to alternative employers.

  • MiniatureDino on 18/04/2017 - 15:51

    IMO, you should ask your friend to put a claim to raise his salary according to his responsibilities and work. And as already said that he should start applying for other jobs side by side, contact your resources and friends to seek a good job with a referral for him.

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