changes again

Just suffered through a 30 minute meeting with my boss. He claims he fought for me to stay in my current location despite executives desire to move me again. I think not. However, we are changing again. I will remain in my current position with reduced responsibilities for 6 months or so. I have lost the kidswear group as they will be relocating to a new city to be completed by September 1st. I have alot of frustrated and angry staff right now. Rumours abound here. Some have chosen to ignore the rumour mill and believe this company has the best interest of its employees at heart. In this huge machine, that is not possible. They are required to relocate. I have been spared. I can't feel guilty. In my meetings with the exec, I have clearly stated that I will work 110% in the job that I have within the hours that I have set. I will then leave work at work and go home to my kdis. Do not promote me if these conditions cannot be honoured. They have been good about keeping their word to me.

It seems that people who have worked for a large company for a long time expect that change will not occur - or if it does, the changes will accomodate their needs. The problem is, that there is a fear of standing up and saying "walk the talk". If you say the family/work balance is a value that you (as a company) promote, accommodate my need for flex hours. As an employee, don't ask for the unreasonable, but be prepared to be flexible. Know what will work for both parties. And know where you need to draw the line. I was prepared to accept a demotion if that was necessary to meet my request. Fortunately, there was room to bend and I got what I needed.

The staff who will be relocated will have to determine what their own comprimise will look like and present it back as a mutually beneficial solution. I suspect I'll be counselling today.