Wally Backman -- Kicking it old school

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

I just want to say, my point was all about perspective. I didn't want it to seem like I was coming down on you, so I'm glad to see you took it in the spirit it was offered.

And all that being said, personally, I have worked in several places where I more or less volunteered to be almost always available. Not sure it always had any massive impact on my status with those companies.

As the owner I probably AVERAGE 75 hours a week, but I don't feel that gives me the right to expect anything even remotely like that from my employees even though I could rightfully say "well I do it." Of course on the rare occasions where I am compelled to ask for a little bit more I have not just the credibility of my work ethic, but also the good will capital built up from not asking for extra on a regular basis.

I will say that I do send emails on weekends, to work email addresses, but that's so I don't forget. Frankly I would be shocked to even get a response until the recipient is back at work.

[steve B]

I've mostly worked blue collar jobs, and more old school than new.
I had email before any place I worked.

Work time was work time. And I was paid for that time.
My time was MY TIME. If I was getting a call on the weekend or holiday or at night, there better be a very good reason. Asked to stay late, or work a weekend day? Sure, usually no problem.

And in things I was good at, I was VERY good. and not bad at things I didn't emphasize. (One place we were a distributor for referred all their odd calls or calls from people who needed help east of the Mississippi to me)

Being part of an old school industrial place that was too small to have HR, my initial reaction to a weekend call for something for Monday, maybe Tuesday would have been ..... "colorful" and probably not approved by anyones HR dept.
In many places, contact on a non work day makes that day a work day by law. Thanks for extending my weekend/vacation. And maybe giving me some extra pay. Now _ off!
Ok, wouldn't have told the boss that since my typical chain of command was Me-Owner. But there would have been a discussion Monday.

And no, I'm not and never was union.

[Snapolit1]

There is no more pathetic person at any company than the guy or gal who regularly sends non urgent emails on holidays, at 7pm on Friday night, during the Super Bowl, and other odd times basically to make it known to others that they are working when others are not. What you are basically advertising is you dont have a life. Dont ever be that person.

[Eric72]

Quick question:

Did the employee see the email over the weekend, while they were off?

If so, they really shouldn't be upset. If they believe work emails are "creating undue pressure outside of work hours," perhaps they shouldn't check their work email during their time off.

[BobbyStrawberry]

Originally Posted by Eric72

Quick question:

Did the employee see the email over the weekend, while they were off?

If so, they really shouldn't be upset. If they believe work emails are "creating undue pressure outside of work hours," perhaps they shouldn't check their work email during their time off.

I do it sometimes and I almost always regret it.

[bk400]

Originally Posted by Eric72

Quick question:

Did the employee see the email over the weekend, while they were off?

If so, they really shouldn't be upset. If they believe work emails are "creating undue pressure outside of work hours," perhaps they shouldn't check their work email during their time off.

Yes, he saw the email and then responded with the claim of undue work pressure.

[Eric72]

Originally Posted by bk400

Yes, he saw the email and then responded with the claim of undue work pressure.

I'm guessing he doesn't see the irony. Hopefully, HR will tell him to consider the possibility he may actually see messages if he checks his email. Some of those messages *might* contain action items for him to handle during the work week.

I know, I know...wild concept, right?

[Econteachert205]

Schedule send the emails dude.