How to Cope With a Demotion at Work

How to Cope With a Demotion at WorkHow to Cope With a Demotion at WorkYou thought you were doing fine, even moving up the ladder at your company, and then you got called into your bosss office. A promotion or a raise, you thought - or, with a wave of panic, could it be a termination? No, the reason for the meeting was that you were getting demoted.What? A demotion is defined as a reduction in work level. Its the downgrading of your job title, rank or status, with terms like reorganization or reassignment. Its not uncommon in the workplace. A new OfficeTeam survey shows nearly half (46 percent) of HR managers said their companies have demoted employees.The reasons for a demotion at workWhy would someone get demoted? It could be the result of something they did or didnt do, or it could be beyond their control. Here are the reasons cited in the surveyPoor wertmiger zuwachsA recent promotion that wasnt working outElimination of the sttte or organizational restructuringEmployees request to take a lower roleWhat to do if you get demotedAn involuntary demotion can be a blow to your ego, your career and your bank account. It could be a wake-up call that your skills arent up to par or simply a result of your company downsizing or undergoing a merger.Your first inclination may be to turn in your resignation letter and start looking for another job. But thats not necessarily your best move. Following are five steps to take after a demotion at work.1. Assess what happenedThe first thing is to find out why your company is taking this action and to calmly reflect on it. Was it a disciplinary action? A performance-related issue? The elimination of your position? You might ask questions such as theseCan I have a little more time in the position to improve?Can you describe my new role?Can you outline the transition plan?What if I dont want to take the position youre offering?How will the demotion be communicated?2. Be open to feedbackConsider the possibility that your manager considers you a valuable employee and wants you to be successful in a role that better suits your current skills. Ask if there are concerns about your performance or attitude or if there are ways you can improve your job skills. Listen for helpful suggestions, and dont discount the possibility of a better offer opening up later at your company, in the same department or another one.3. Reach out to your support systemDont underestimate the toll a demotion can take on your emotions. You might feel rejected or unappreciated, and you may need to seek support from friends, family, or even mentors and counselors outside the workplace.can help you stay up to date on the latest job market trends, find opportunities and dodge obstacles in your professional path.SEARCH JOBS4. Create an action planFind a way to frame the demotion as an opportunity to strengthen your skills or performance and strategize where you want to go with your career. Focus on identifying specific steps you can take to r egain your confidence. Seek opportunities to invest in yourself with professional development training. If you decide to stay in the lower-level job, consider how you can do your very best.5. Figure out whether to stay or leaveIf you decide to explore the employment waters and plan for your departure, youll need to update your resume, initiate networking activities, ask for referrals, research companies and start your job search. This may be an ideal time to work with a staffing agency to make connections with employers.