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thingstodo · 10-09-2004, 06:56 AM

I'm the general manager of a decent size division of a large company. I only state that to give myself a little credibility. I also worked my way up from the bottom of the field I am in, so I've been where you are. (more credibility?)

Point one: most companies aren't out to screw their employees. The 20% that do make up 80% of the perception. I can't afford to piss off employees and then go through the expense of recruiting, hiring and training. Plus, you lose the knowledge gained from experience, which comes from making mistakes. And that's why you don't fire for mistakes, only continued poor judgement or a willingness/ability issue.

Now for the overtime issue: It sounds like you wer given a schedule to arrive, leave and how long your breaks should be. If you choose to clock in early, stay late, take short breaks or lunch periods you aren't following instructions. And if you have to be told when it is time to leave, I would have to question if you can tell time. Sorry, didn't mean to be a smartass, but....

I think the only problem from your company's perspective is that they didn't make sure you understood what was expected by 1. clarifying with you and testing for understanding; 2. observing and correcting/coaching when you didn't meet expectations. At the point you demonstrate the skill to do what is expected, the company can hold you accountable.

I suspect the manager on the phone will have a coaching session with your boss on how they came up short on your training.

As for OT, it costs more, and managers have a responsibility to manage expenses. Temp situations call for some planned (notice planned, not at the discretion of the employee) OT. If the job takes more than a little, it would make sense to hire another employee at a normal rate of compensation. These days OT is watched even more. A manager that runs up excessive OT, especially unplanned, isn't doing their job of managing the process and the expenses. If you think payroll expenses aren't critical, just look at the airline industry. Take out the recent fuel woes and payrole makes up most of the reasons the US Airs of the world are on the brink of bankruptcy and the low cost airlines (like Southwest, who, by the way, doesn't screw over their employees) are generally profitable.

So, show up for work early and be ready to punch in on time and go to work. Unless pre-arranged, don't stay and clock out late. Take your breaks and lunch.... they are there because you need them to replenish your body and clear your head, just as are vacations. Burned out employees don't generally perform as well. If you are bored, bring a book. And most of all, be clear on your boss' expectations because in the end, you will lose if you don't.

Hope this sheds some light on your question. It's all a learning process - if you learn from the process.

10-09-2004, 06:56 AM	#12 (permalink)
thingstodo A Storm Is Coming Location: The Great White North	I'm the general manager of a decent size division of a large company. I only state that to give myself a little credibility. I also worked my way up from the bottom of the field I am in, so I've been where you are. (more credibility?) Point one: most companies aren't out to screw their employees. The 20% that do make up 80% of the perception. I can't afford to piss off employees and then go through the expense of recruiting, hiring and training. Plus, you lose the knowledge gained from experience, which comes from making mistakes. And that's why you don't fire for mistakes, only continued poor judgement or a willingness/ability issue. Now for the overtime issue: It sounds like you wer given a schedule to arrive, leave and how long your breaks should be. If you choose to clock in early, stay late, take short breaks or lunch periods you aren't following instructions. And if you have to be told when it is time to leave, I would have to question if you can tell time. Sorry, didn't mean to be a smartass, but.... I think the only problem from your company's perspective is that they didn't make sure you understood what was expected by 1. clarifying with you and testing for understanding; 2. observing and correcting/coaching when you didn't meet expectations. At the point you demonstrate the skill to do what is expected, the company can hold you accountable. I suspect the manager on the phone will have a coaching session with your boss on how they came up short on your training. As for OT, it costs more, and managers have a responsibility to manage expenses. Temp situations call for some planned (notice planned, not at the discretion of the employee) OT. If the job takes more than a little, it would make sense to hire another employee at a normal rate of compensation. These days OT is watched even more. A manager that runs up excessive OT, especially unplanned, isn't doing their job of managing the process and the expenses. If you think payroll expenses aren't critical, just look at the airline industry. Take out the recent fuel woes and payrole makes up most of the reasons the US Airs of the world are on the brink of bankruptcy and the low cost airlines (like Southwest, who, by the way, doesn't screw over their employees) are generally profitable. So, show up for work early and be ready to punch in on time and go to work. Unless pre-arranged, don't stay and clock out late. Take your breaks and lunch.... they are there because you need them to replenish your body and clear your head, just as are vacations. Burned out employees don't generally perform as well. If you are bored, bring a book. And most of all, be clear on your boss' expectations because in the end, you will lose if you don't. Hope this sheds some light on your question. It's all a learning process - if you learn from the process. __________________ If you're wringing your hands you can't roll up your shirt sleeves. Stangers have the best candy. Last edited by thingstodo; 10-09-2004 at 07:03 AM..