How to be proactive and regain control over a ‘dry promotion’ at work

Credit to Author: Murali Murthy| Date: Tue, 16 Apr 2024 23:11:14 +0000

In today’s world of constant flux, the dynamics of the workplace are changing too and springing one surprise after the other. The latest one doing the rounds of workplace discussions is the trend of ‘dry promotions’.

Simply put, your employer may reward you with a higher position, a new job title or additional responsibilities. But you do not get the intended pay raise that should have accompanied the promotion.  While this can be disappointing, a dry promotion can help you gain valuable management experience, develop your skills, and expand your resume to aid future career progression. You can see it as a positive investment in your growth potential.

At the same time, some of the cons could include feeling overworked, undervalued or a combination of both, leading to huge dissatisfaction.

If you are currently studying the potential and downsides of dry promotions, here are some strategies to be proactive and regain control.

Enrich your career

If you put aside the uncomfortable denial of compensation for a few minutes, dry promotions can provide enriching career capital for the long term. You can build management experience by developing leadership abilities and strengthening your skills’ repertoire by taking on non-routine strategic, technical and analytical responsibilities. The expanded qualifications can offer intangible benefits like valuable networking with higher-ups and the senior titles can also appeal to future employers and eventually a potential salary increase.

Protect yourself by defining boundaries

With a dry promotion, the lines can get blurred between what you can do vs. what you are now expected to deliver. Safeguard yourself from exploitation by capping work hours. Maintain some balance by avoiding office calls outside office times except for emergencies. The last thing you want is to take on an additional workload and get burned out minus any incentives.

Negotiate better

Be tactful, negotiate wisely and pitch strongly for your objectives. You could agree upon a reasonable timeline for salary re-evaluation. This could include outlining clear metrics to progress from now till six months later where you can look at full promotion with adjusted higher pay. You could even come up with options like a timeline-based bonus to extra time off to balance heavy workloads.

Plan for the long term

When you focus on your long-term career prospects, you will develop the appropriate skills rather than going after routine tasks. This means, do not just demonstrate what you can contribute today but what you can do tomorrow. At the same time, if there are evolving pressures, you can provide regular updates on your workload status and have an open conversation. You could even ask for concessions or more resources. When you know your long-term objective you will view each role as a stepping stone rather than a career endpoint.

Explore other options

Don’t give up hope, you could still aim for a regular promotion in a few months. Discuss the requirements and parameters with the senior management. And agree upon a six months to a year timeframe for re-evaluation. You could also contemplate moving to a different team or department if it entails a pay raise.

At the same time, exploring external opportunities is crucial for professional advancement even when things are going fine. After a dry promotion, you can update your resume and finesse your LinkedIn profile. And also tap into industry networks and online job boards to uncover fresh opportunities.

Tomorrow is a new day

During this time, self-care is extremely important. Pay sufficient attention to sleep and exercise and, ensure healthy food habits. You could even focus on yoga, meditation and stress management. You have the full power to shape your future course of action. Accept that you are higher than any specific job title or function. Acknowledge that your potential is limitless and extends well beyond your current situation. And remember, tomorrow is a new day and you are in control.

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