| Topic Name: |
Breastpumping and Productivity |
| Message Name: |
Look at the big picture |
| Date Posted: |
07/16/2002 |
| Message: |
Now that I'm on my own (freelance), I no longer have to worry about this type of management issue.
But in my former life I managed a marketing department and remember well how these types of issues had me wondering what to do.
It seems that at some point in their employment career, each of my employees had a personal issue that took their time and focus away from work. Either they were buying a home or car and they were on the phone for hours with realtors and bankers; or little Sally needed a new babysitter and so they were calling prospective sitters and arriving late or leaving early to check after checking out a new day care. The list is endless.
My sage advice: Look at the big picture. If they are a good, capable, competent employee otherwise, most of these work time-suckers have a definite end in sight. But that doesn't mean you should just let it ride. It simply isn't fair to other employees who are putting in a very full day.
So, with compassion and a sincere goal of maintaining work/life balance in your department, talk it through with the employee. And ask your HR department for advice in advance of the meeting.
On the other hand, if the employee quickly moves from one non-work issue/crisis to another. And, expects you to pay them while they're doing it...well, that's a different story. But, in all cases, gather advice from trained HR experts before moving forward.
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