(First of two elements)
A number of younger feminine trainees and junior managers went gaga over Taylor Swift,” writes P, the human useful resource head of a giant retail firm. “They skipped work for nearly per week with out informing us, and issues arose. Some mentioned that they have been sick, however different workers mentioned that they have been overseas.
“My boss needs to fireside these workers, however one supervisor joked that his youngsters additionally lower lessons to see Swift’s live performance. We don’t know what to do. My boss learn your column (How household companies and others spent Holy Week, March 28, 2024) the place you reminded a pupil about her absences to look at Swift. My boss is glad that you just reminded a pupil about her obligations. He informed us that previously, he wished to go away work early to catch a Michael Jackson live performance in Manila, however he refrained as a result of he was wanted in his put up. He’s very disenchanted in our younger workers.
“He informed me to jot down you, even when we’re now not a small household enterprise. We at the moment are professionalized, and we give good pay and advantages. We thought we might belief our workers, so we’re shocked at what they did. However they don’t suppose they did something flawed. They don’t perceive why we’re upset. My boss needs to subject an organization memo about their wrongdoing. What sanctions apply? Is that this a generational factor? How will we forestall this from taking place once more?”
My reply
I’m not a Swiftie, however I like Taylor Swift. Her lyrics are significant, her tunes catchy, and her dedication to her craft exemplary. She overcame varied challenges, typically within the glare of the general public eye. Many colleges, together with Harvard, supply programs on Swift. The College of the Philippines in Diliman simply began one.
READ: UP Diliman opens Taylor Swift elective lessons
Most Swifties are feminine, skewed towards Gen Z, who grew up together with her music, so sure, there’s a generational enchantment. However many males and nonbinaries additionally adore her, as do folks throughout generations worldwide.
Your boss could be a member of my technology (Gen X), as a result of I bear in mind additionally being tempted to look at Michael Jackson stay when he carried out right here. However I made a decision that it was extra snug to bounce together with him on MTV in my room reasonably than jostling with crowds.
Now to your dilemma. In our college, the state of affairs is easy. Those that lower class—for no matter purpose—are liable for what they miss, so the coed I discussed is aware of full properly the implications of her decisions.
We lecturers don’t choose—and infrequently don’t ask about—the explanations behind absences, except we’re involved in regards to the pupil’s psychological wellbeing.
Frankly, I’m at a loss on the way to advise you. However firing workers simply because of this is just not sensible (it might be challenged legally, so seek the advice of your organization lawyer).
As for sanctions, have a look at your present firm guidelines. What does your worker handbook say about unexcused absences? It doesn’t appear smart to fabricate penalties only for this infraction.
Critical speak with errant workers
My greatest suggestion is for you and your boss to have a severe speak with every errant worker. The misdemeanor is just not watching the live performance, however forsaking duties with out trigger.
READ: What to say when workers err
In school, a pupil complained that she needed to end a mission solo as a result of her teammates flew out for the live performance and left her alone. She gave her teammates a zero in peer grading, which made them mad at her as a result of they wished to get an A, which she mentioned they don’t deserve. I mentioned that she ought to have assigned them different duties that they may have achieved even when they have been overseas, or demanded that they end the mission collectively earlier than they absconded.
Your workers ought to have knowledgeable you of what they meant to do. Individuals normally resort to mendacity once they understand deep down that what they’re doing is just not proper. You would have helped them discover colleagues or different methods to shoulder duties of their absence.
Issuing a memo on worker accountability is a good suggestion. Subsequent week, we have a look at what a US schooling superintendent needed to say.
(To be continued)
Your subscription couldn’t be saved. Please strive once more.
Your subscription has been profitable.
Queena N. Lee-Chua is with the board of administrators of Ateneo’s Household Enterprise Middle. Get her e-book “All within the Household Enterprise” at Lazada or Shopee, or the book at Amazon, Google Play, Apple iBooks. Contact the writer at [email protected].
