Employees, Offboarding, Onboarding And Decisions

[blazeingstar]

So, one of my co-workers has never quite been happy at my workplace (that I love).  We've both worked here for 2 years and our company has grown exponentially to the point where desk space is very limited and people get shifted.

 

This Monday, she let us know she would be leaving in 2 weeks, so with hires in the works we were luckily able to have one come in early so he can be onboarded and not cause a disruption to those we serve.  Problem is that there are not enough desks in our unit.

 

Managment decided that for her final two weeks my co-worker would be moved to a free desk in another unit so her desk could be used by the new hire.

 

She's livid and claiming that it's retaliation.  I've always liked her but I am not getting in the middle of it.

 

However, should this new workplace bullying legislation go through, do you think she would have a case?

[CrossCuT]

If your workplace is growing and thus gaining more profit, the quality of living for the employees should be going up as well. (Unless of course the upper m management is keeping all the $$ for themselves which could be the case).

 

I see absolutely no reason why they should not have enough space to accommodate their own workers, You guys are not swine living in a cramped barn.

[blazeingstar]

If your workplace is growing and thus gaining more profit, the quality of living for the employees should be going up as well. (Unless of course the upper m management is keeping all the $$ for themselves which could be the case).

 

I see absolutely no reason why they should not have enough space to accommodate their own workers, You guys are not swine living in a cramped barn.

 

Uhhh. I didn't say we had to share desks, I said that our unit was full, and that while we had 2 employees in the same position one was going to have to sit in a different unit.

[CrossCuT]

I didnt assume you had to share desks.

 

 

When you say "free" desk, does that mean its lower quality or smaller or something? Or is it just the same as the others just in a different location?

Edited January 16, 2014 by CrossCuT

[blazeingstar]

I didnt assume you had to share desks.

 

 

When you say "free" desk, does that mean its lower quality or smaller or something? Or is it just the same as the others just in a different location?

 

Same building, different unit.  All of the desks look exactly the same.

[CrossCuT]

OH! Free as in OPEN. Got it.

 

I was under the assumption that free meant that it was this crummy desk on the side and blah. That changes my thoughts a little. While it is a bit irritating to have to move all the stuff in yhour desk (some people have a lot) I dont think it that big of a deal since she will be leaving anyways. It gives her a chance to clean stuff up early and have less of a hassle the last week she is there. Although she might be upset because she wont be near her friends anymore.

[mortify ii]

Crosscut, in the corporate world increase in profits does not mean improved work conditions for employees. Keep in mind the top wants to minimize costs to increase profit, and that includes spending less on things like desk space.

[CrossCuT]

Crosscut, in the corporate world increase in profits does not mean improved work conditions for employees. Keep in mind the top wants to minimize costs to increase profit, and that includes spending less on things like desk space.

 

I agree that what you described is how things are, but what Im saying is that I wish they werent. Money that is generated from a business should go to increase the quality of living for the employees. Having appropriate work spaces is one of those things. Healthy, safe working environments are not something employers should skimp on if they want their employees to work at their highest potential. 

[PhuturePriest]

I agree that what you described is how things are, but what Im saying is that I wish they werent. Money that is generated from a business should go to increase the quality of living for the employees. Having appropriate work spaces is one of those things. Healthy, safe working environments are not something employers should skimp on if they want their employees to work at their highest potential. 

 

I see your point, but you also have to see it from the point of the business. My dad owns a restaurant. The books say he makes $100,000 a year in sales. Which he does. But do you know how much of that he actually makes after paying his bills and taxes? Between $20,000 and $30,000. That's why I don't get paid very much, and I don't complain about it.

Edited January 16, 2014 by FuturePriest387

[Basilisa Marie]

I think it would depend on what kind of relationship she had with her bosses before the desk switch.  If things were already tense, then she might have a case for retaliation. If it was good, then it's likely just a case of her being on the out anyway and they don't see the point of starting a new person at one desk and then having to move the person once she leaves.  

 

Personally, I think she needs to smell of elderberries it up. Retaliation would be more along the lines of withholding a paycheck, defacing her property, etc. What they did wasn't an inherently malicious activity, so she'd have a hard time proving her case. 

Edited January 16, 2014 by Basilisa Marie

[mortify ii]

Crosscut, yes it should be that way but we're not living in a just system.

[Slappo]

No way could she win a retaliation case. She put in her two weeks, they are making arrangements to have staff properly trained and situated to be able to cover her position when she is gone. To get staff properly situated they re-arranged staff placement to accommodate training needs.

 

Even if the employer and employee had terrible relationships before this happened, no way would she win a retaliation claim because her desk was moved in the last two weeks of employment.

 

Retaliation is not being considered for a promotion because you snitched on a supervisor, or getting moved to a crappy sub-par space after claiming sexual harassment. Not being disgruntled because your work environment became unsatisfactory in your last two weeks of employment.

[Eilish]

Oh, no! That she should be so inconvienced! Does she even know she's fortunate to have not just one job but also found another? To aid in flow and continuity my company would often find 'busywork' for someone leaving, as well as have them vacate valuable workspace. How many employees actually work hard to wrap up on the way out? Many just coast, and the company has to move on.

[blazeingstar]

I didn't think so, but she is pretty mad and actually being a bit vicious and retalitory herself, not really doing her job.  Since we have caseloads they will suffer, not us.  Its sad and annoying.  Seeing as she disclosed all this to me, I just don't want to be dragged in.

[YHZRosko]

I think your employer is just doing what they have to do to transition to the new hire as best they can and with as little disruption as possible. She gave her two weeks' notice and is on her way out, so the employer's natural focus is going to be on ensuring continuity, not in making sure she gets to socialise with everybody one last time. I doubt she'd have a case to call their move retaliatory, especially if her behaviour/performance since giving notice has been less than adequate.

In your case, I think you're doing what's best by keeping out of the whole thing! It'll be over in two weeks' time anyway.