I work for a great small business. I love the owner dearly, as though she is family. However, I've had problems with some other co-workers that continue to be unresolved. They are such dear, thoughtful people that they will give anyone continuous chances to prove themselves.
Recently, with the report of some thefts, they have taken keys away from most employees. I am the only person outside family that has one. However, now that means I am frequently (almost always) counted on to always be the person who arrives early, stays late or misses lunch when other employees who don't have a key have a need. I even feel that some of the other employees take advantage of this situation by arriving just 10 or 15 minutes later in the evenings and asking me to hold the door for them.
What's the best way to approach this? It's becoming more and more of a problem, and I know that if I continue to ignore it, it will only continue to get worse.
2007-12-19 09:57:17 · 18 answers · asked by JenV 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I know how you feel. I'm kind of in the same boat as you but for some reason I'm the middle man between my coworkers and boss. It can be very taxing...All i can say is just be honest. If you don't speak up for yourself then who will?
2007-12-19 13:06:06 · answer #1 · answered by L.M.L 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Speak with the owners and let them know that this responsibility is greater than you had anticipated and that you need the authority (and perhaps a raise/promotion) to deal with the fallout of the other employees taking advantage of the situation. You could also recommend that a meeting or a memo go out as a reminder that punctuality is important and expected in the work place. If you feel that the situation cannot be resolved this way, turn in your key and thank them for the trusting you enough to give you the key, but indicate that it isn't working out for you.
2007-12-19 10:09:13 · answer #2 · answered by Parkie21 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I guess if it were me I would tell the boss that you can't stay late sometime, when they want you to stay. They shouldn't make you wait around for everyone else. If you weren't there, what would the other employees do - maybe they should find out.
Are there private offices or file cabinets that could be locked with a private key so you don't feel like the gatekeeper all the time? Then they could give everyone else back their key.
Otherwise they could sign keys out, at least then they'd know who had the key if anything went missing.
2007-12-19 10:02:44 · answer #3 · answered by falco_aesolon 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your employer may be the nicest on the planet, but this is their problem not yours. They have put you in an invidious position which is being exploited. They are relying on your loyalty to solve their problem, not very fair is it? If there are issues of theft and dishonesty they need to address them, not make you responsible for eliminating them. Of course some will exploit your position, such is human nature, why should they see your dilemma in all of this? Tell your employer that you are in a no win situation, you cannot be held resposible for the people they employ, you are there to do your own job. If they value your opinion they will act on your concerns, if not I would question their support of you. Good luck, you have nothing to lose as a valued employee.
2007-12-19 10:18:06 · answer #4 · answered by Willow 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If they feel you are responsible enough to carry a key they should compensate you for your loyalty and honesty.But for those whocant arrive on time the owners have the resonsibilty to check them.You need to talk to your employers and disscuss your concerns,sounds very much like they trust you and I bet the will be more then willing to sit down with you to discuss your situation.Your coworkers are not only taking advantage of you but of the owners as well.
2007-12-19 10:06:53 · answer #5 · answered by mr.mcscrofe 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I really think that you and the owners need a sit down to outline your responsibilities, not only as key holder, but to the company in general. I would also be looking to train 1-2 trusted employees who could assist in opening, mid day and closing duties. You have a life and you need to delegate/share the duties or you may end up "burning out". Your heart is in the right place, but you are not responsible to anyone other than your boss. The other employees will either have to shape up, or move on....you're not their mother....peace....Cuervo
2007-12-19 10:11:57 · answer #6 · answered by New Man Walkin' 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is the pay good? If so talk to them and express that since you are the key holder you might need the authority to go with it and that they should announce this authority to the other employees so that they understand. Mention that maybe becoming the manager or supervisor might be in order. Remember, with responsibility comes authority. If you don't get the authority, turn in the key.
2007-12-19 10:02:45 · answer #7 · answered by So. Cal Man 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give back your key! Tell the owner you don't want to deal with the scheduling conflicts this has brought on you.
If there's another reason you need to keep the key, just put your foot down. If they're early or late, lock or unlock the office as you need to! They'll learn their lesson quickly.
2007-12-19 10:00:37 · answer #8 · answered by Katie G 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just be honest with them. If they trust you that much and you have as good a relationship as it seems, they'll understand that you feel uncomfortable with this position and that you feel you're being exploited by your co-workers. And depending on your comfort level and tenure with the company, you might want to also gently suggest they reconsider some employees who are taking advantage of them. They'll appreciate your candor and your interest in protecting them and their company.
2007-12-19 10:04:48 · answer #9 · answered by Q-mama 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you should not wait to establish boundaries if it will continue to be you that only has the key, i work in a similar situation and rules are different for everyone now. there has never been a real company policy only whether they like you or not dont let that happen to you
2007-12-19 10:04:25 · answer #10 · answered by metalmessiah05 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋