How should I confront my boss on this issue?

Question

I work in a grocery store and my boss makes the shedules on thursdays. Today he decided to change the schedule to suit on of the managers, and it changed 4 different shifts, including mine. The result was I lost hours for the week, and he didnt even give the time to tell everyone the schedule was changed. Should I approach him about this or leave it be? He is also hard to talk to.

Answer 1

It sounds like your bosses actions are making you and probably your coworkers stressed. The best thing you can do is tell him about this inconveinence. If you are uncomfortable talking with him then write him a letter. Also, though he is the "boss", even bosses have to be kept in check. If you let him walk all over you and your coworkers now, then he'll probably do it again.

Answer 2

This is a difficult situation. I would ask him to give you further notice about shift changes. However, if you have an open availablity or those are shifts time you have agreed you could work; there is not much you can do. When you were hired, you were hired to work those hours. You can't always catater the schedule to your liking. Techinally, most managers have the right to change the schedules to fit the needs of the company. Especially when it comes to giving people less hours. Most company try their very hardest not to waste labor hours; therefore, they will cut hours and send people home. It sounds like you work retail or food service, this is just how that business is.

As for them changing it for the manager, again that comes with the business. You are just an hourly employee, the manager is a higher position and they work more hours/ have more responsiblity. The companies want to keep them happy, b/c it's very difficult to find good, experienced managers and than spend time/money training them. Much easier to hire hourly people.

If you don't like the changing schedule. Don't have such and open availability. Only make yourself open to work certain times.

Answer 3

First and foremost, change the idea that it will be a confrontation. Assuming so directly affects how you will bring it to his attention, and he just may not react well to the attack. Better would be to re-frame it as something you need clarification about. That way, you're asking for him to describe the changes in the work schedule in such a way as to allow him to realize the full impact of what he has done. If he's hard to talk to (and you didn't say why you think this), then a confrontational approach could backfire, resulting in you losing control of the conversation and maybe losing your job as well. You were smart to inquire about it before acting....shows prudent judgment on your behalf. Rule of thumb: never act in anger or distress; always try to de-personalize the issue when talking with co-workers, supervisors and subordinates, thereby making the issue a non-threatening one that could involve other emotional factors. Good luck.

Answer 4

If you go about it respectfully, there is no reason you can't at least bring it up to your boss. He may not change anything, but at least you will have spoken your piece and not let him walk all over you, and that will help you feel less frustrated about the situation. You may even impress him with your willingness to tackle a difficult subject with poise and assertiveness, without becoming whiney or hostile.

An easy formula to remember for potentially confrontational conversations is as follows: 1) Start by saying "When you..." and explain what it is that bothers you - remember to stay calm and choose neutral descriptive words - not blaming ones. Next, say 2) "I feel..." and explain the impact those actions have on you. 3) Then, wrap it up by saying "I would like you to...." and explain the way you'd like to see the situation handled.

In your situation, you might try saying, "Joe, when you change my shifts after the schedule has already been posted, and reduce my hours in order to accommodate another person without consulting me first, I feel like you don't appreciate my time, nor the effort I put into being a reliable employee. I have to make last minute changes to my plans in order to accommodate work, and when I end up losing hours, it is difficult for me to meet my financial commitments. I feel frustrated and disrespected. I would like you to avoid changing the schedule after a certain date, so that I can make plans and be as dependable in other areas of my life as I try to be at work. I realize that sometimes, due to accident or illness, last minute schedule changes are unavoidable, but I would appreciate it if you could check with me prior to changing my shifts, once the schedule has been put out."

Hope this helps - good luck!

Answer 5

YES and its the way you approach him that hopefully will be easier...let him know in order for you to do your job to the fullest potential which makes him look good to his superiors... you have to be able to give the employees more time to shift changes..also remind him you have to give a 24 notice by labor laws to change schedules of employees (and this example here is the reason why the law was implemented.)...and if he doesnt want to listen go to his supervisor...it is for the best of the company and if he is not complying to labor laws your superiors should be aware of it before something goes wrong....see where I am going with this...if this jerk boss did this...he will do worse.

Answer 6

Using the word "confront" puts you in a certain mindset. Just walk up to him when he is not engaged in something else and simply question the change, and wait for his answer. Most of the time, men are caught off-guard by a direct question from a woman at work who is under them. I have used this to my advantage in male dominated jobs. If you do not get a reasonable answer, then the word confront might come into use.

Answer 7

Look for a new job. What you should tell your boss is that you would appreciate some notice before it is changed. Whether you have ride issues or whatever isn't his business just that it inconvenience's you to a great degree.

If you are not a great employee, don't say a word.

Answer 8

if it resulted in u getting in trouble with him because u were late or something u should but i would let it slide this once. but if it happens again approach him and say something. maybe just simply say 'hey, i know why u changed the schedule and u were being a good person and all but could u please give us some notice so we don't let u down.' but not that exactly cuz it sounds standoffish.

Answer 9

yes you should. it's not fair to change things for everyone to suit one person. just tell him you need more hours. you have bills to pay and you can't make it on the hours you're getting now. some bosses will appreciate it when people stand up to them. others won't. it's a chance you have to take. you gotta do what you gotta do for yourself

Answer 10

Look for a new job. Then tell him once you are hired. Don't be silly & let him know what you are thinking before you have a bird in the hand.
He's not a caring person & he would just a soon give you axe as not to.