Can an employer change an employee's job title?

Question

Job role and responsiblities remain exactly the same.

What if the employee objects. If they see it as a step down.

That is actually what I want to hear! I'm having a few problems with a couple of members of staff who are not keen to play ball! They are very precious over their job titles even though they are now completely inappropriate and do not fit in the organisation structure we are trying to create! Thanks for your answers.

Answer 1

Yes, titles, as well as job descriptions and duties, can be changed at any time. Many companies have done this in order to align titles around a compensation structure and/or strategic plan. Most companies try to have a small library of titles - coordinator, supervisor, manager, director, engineer, etc., and then add more definition as appropriate - Engineer, Chemical I; Engineer, Electrical II; Engineer, Mechanical III; and so on. Those titles also align with common salary survey data, making it easier to research and assign pay grades, etc.

It's not uncommon as companies grow to have to make these changes - usually in a small company, everyone is a manager or director. As the company grows, those titles (or sometimes, the position incumbents) are no longer applicable.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

In the U.S. an employer may change an employees title, role and responsibilities to a point. It depends on the reason for the change. If you are changing their role because they have been out on FMLA, work injury or other protected situations then you will have a problem. If you are increasing their responsibilities and role that is not a problem. If you change their role and do it as punishment for something it is a problem. The pay, benefits and seniority must be left alone. This is with or without an employment contract or agreement.

Answer 4

Yes. But don't put to much stock in your title. I once had a manager who told me I could have any title I wanted. But my my pay and responsibilities would stay the same. So I changed it from "Supervisor" to "Superior Chief Executive in charge of Employee Tasking". It got a few laughs but nothing else. And no, I didn't use it on a resume. Just do your job well and let your boss call you "Outstanding"!

Answer 5

As long as your salary and responsibilities remain the same. The company I work for has gone through a reorganisation in the last few months, and a few people's job titles changed but not their pay or what they were doing.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

Changing Job Title Employment Law

Answer 8

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Answer 9

Your employer can change anything they like--your title, your pay, your responsibilites...

They can even make you sign a new work contract, or make you reapply for your job after they have redesigned it. The only way you could be protected from these is if you have a union behind you.

Answer 10

yes - you can but you must put it in writing.
the best practive to follow, is have a formal meeting and the employee has a right to be represented. Present your case to the employer and then the employee can have the opportunity to challenge or discuss.
follow up the meeting by confirming decision in writing