Work Advice,,

[bowers-sfc]

Good people of Saints Web, here I am again, as you can probably tell by now... I'm not getting on very well in my job...

 

Anyway,

 

Im a young lad, 21 working in a call centre. I get on really well with most of the people In my team, in particualr the lad who sits at the desk behind me. Both big saints fan, football fans etc.

 

between calls and at quiet times, we both turn around for a chat about the previous or upcoming games, football news and god knows what else.

 

I was brought in to the managers office yesterday afternoon, and it was made clear that from this point I was no longer allowed to turn around and speak to him or any other memebers of the team, and that I must sit at my desk and face the computer screen.

 

I currently have nobody sat next to me, as she quit last week. This has not been said to any other members of staff, and can carry on talking with eachother.

she gave me the whole 'you come to work to do a job, not make friends', thats fine, I know im here to do a job.

 

when I questioned this, her reply was ' if you are not cut out for this job, you can find a new 1'

 

 

now, that is what bugged me! can she even say something like that?

 

further to this, today she has gave me the delightful news I am moving desks..... to the one next to me, the girl who lefts empty desk. then the new person starting next week, will be going in my seat? make sense of that.

 

cheers guys.

[holepuncture]

Good people of Saints Web, here I am again, as you can probably tell by now... I'm not getting on very well in my job...

 

Anyway,

 

Im a young lad, 21 working in a call centre. I get on really well with most of the people In my team, in particualr the lad who sits at the desk behind me. Both big saints fan, football fans etc.

 

between calls and at quiet times, we both turn around for a chat about the previous or upcoming games, football news and god knows what else.

 

I was brought in to the managers office yesterday afternoon, and it was made clear that from this point I was no longer allowed to turn around and speak to him or any other memebers of the team, and that I must sit at my desk and face the computer screen.

 

I currently have nobody sat next to me, as she quit last week. This has not been said to any other members of staff, and can carry on talking with eachother.

she gave me the whole 'you come to work to do a job, not make friends', thats fine, I know im here to do a job.

 

when I questioned this, her reply was ' if you are not cut out for this job, you can find a new 1'

 

 

now, that is what bugged me! can she even say something like that?

 

further to this, today she has gave me the delightful news I am moving desks..... to the one next to me, the girl who lefts empty desk. then the new person starting next week, will be going in my seat? make sense of that.

 

cheers guys.

 

FAO Supermikey

[Patrick Bateman]

Does she have solid evidence that you aren't delivering in your job? Do you meet your call KPIs? (I presume %age calls answered in so many seconds, AHT etc etc)

 

If not, she just doesn't like team spirit ...

 

If she does, knuckle down and get on with the job.

[Window Cleaner]

Good people of Saints Web, here I am again, as you can probably tell by now... I'm not getting on very well in my job...

 

Anyway,

 

Im a young lad, 21 working in a call centre. I get on really well with most of the people In my team, in particualr the lad who sits at the desk behind me. Both big saints fan, football fans etc.

 

between calls and at quiet times, we both turn around for a chat about the previous or upcoming games, football news and god knows what else.

 

I was brought in to the managers office yesterday afternoon, and it was made clear that from this point I was no longer allowed to turn around and speak to him or any other memebers of the team, and that I must sit at my desk and face the computer screen.

 

I currently have nobody sat next to me, as she quit last week. This has not been said to any other members of staff, and can carry on talking with eachother.

she gave me the whole 'you come to work to do a job, not make friends', thats fine, I know im here to do a job.

 

when I questioned this, her reply was ' if you are not cut out for this job, you can find a new 1'

 

 

now, that is what bugged me! can she even say something like that?

 

further to this, today she has gave me the delightful news I am moving desks..... to the one next to me, the girl who lefts empty desk. then the new person starting next week, will be going in my seat? make sense of that.

 

cheers guys.

 

 

 

looks like the debut of constructive dismissal, how many actual warnings do you have on the counter , any from the last episode ?

[bowers-sfc]

My AHT is below the team avarage, and Our team always reach our KPI's. The only thing she has on me, is my 'after call work' and thats about 5 seconds more then the teams 'after call work'

 

She has said that when me and this other lad are turining around talking and stuff, what is does for staff moral in other teams. I didnt have a clue what she was on about, I thought staff seeing people get on would help. I enjoy working with the people I do, and enjoy coming into work and having a chat with freinds when there are no calls.

 

Window cleaner, do you really think thats the case? my dad, and a family friend have said exactly the same.

in regards to warnings, I have a stage 1 for absence or 'going awol' ( see preivous thread ) and a couple of verbale warnings for minor issues.

 

 

thanks agian,

 

connor

[hutch]

I assume you're not at work today?

[Window Cleaner]

My AHT is below the team avarage, and Our team always reach our KPI's. The only thing she has on me, is my 'after call work' and thats about 5 seconds more then the teams 'after call work'

 

She has said that when me and this other lad are turining around talking and stuff, what is does for staff moral in other teams. I didnt have a clue what she was on about, I thought staff seeing people get on would help. I enjoy working with the people I do, and enjoy coming into work and having a chat with freinds when there are no calls.

 

Window cleaner, do you really think thats the case? my dad, and a family friend have said exactly the same.

in regards to warnings, I have a stage 1 for absence or 'going awol' ( see preivous thread ) and a couple of verbale warnings for minor issues.

 

 

thanks agian,

 

connor

 

Well I'm none too au fait with UK work legislation these days but to me telling you specifically to face your screen at all times etc

is within their prerogative but where we go into the murky zone of harrassment is telling you that if you don't like it you can look elsewhere etc. perhaps your supervisor is just one of these blousy tell it like it is women but there are things you can say and things you can't and ways of saying them in the work place.

[Tokyo-Saint]

I would guess that it being a call centre and no doubt having a massive staff turnover, they also have a lengthy probationary period that you are still in, right?

 

If so, unfortunately, you don't have many rights at all and should probably forget about the constructive dismissal angle.

 

It is a call centre, they sound like they expect you to be battery hens. I guess she is either under a lot of pressure herself or a complete bitch or a bit of both. There are other decent jobs in call centres out there though. Stick with it for a bit and keep an eye out for a move would be my advice. Years ago, I used to work for Norwich Union in Bedford Place and they weren't too bad.

[bowers-sfc]

I assume you're not at work today?

 

No, I am work.

 

use of the internet is permitted at quiet times and when not taking calls.

[Tokyo-Saint]

Just speak with your mate online then.

[hutch]

No, I am work.

 

use of the internet is permitted at quiet times and when not taking calls.

I doubt that is right, because it wouldn't make sense, but if it is why don't you just open a chat window with your new chum behind you, and chat to him that way? On your version that is within the rules.

[PhilippineSaint]

Ask her to put up or shut up.

 

If she has a problem with your work you need to know what it is so you can rectify it. A work place is not a school classroom you are allowed to talk to other people unless its in your contract that you cant which it will not be.

If talking to your neighbour / behind person causes you to fail in your work she may have a point otherwise tell her to get the hell out of it. what has she done to the person behind has he / she had the same restrictions put on? if not it is completely unacceptable and does not have to be adhered to.

 

If it continues ask for a meeting with your boss's boss to discuss why the person has it in for you and if possible get a transfer to a different section or get the boss transferred.

 

I would also start looking for a better job.

[Bearsy]

Sounds like SuperMikey complained bout you, probably ur conversation is v.boring. SuperMikey was like omg bowers is just not shut up ffs!

[Tokyo-Saint]

SuperMikey is always interested in peoples plans for stuff like Christmas and Easter as well as showaddywaddy songs. Keep to these subjects and you will be fine.

 

Edit, btw - your job sounds better than bear's. He isn't even allowed to used the internet between drive through orders any more. Don't listen to him about work advice.

Edited 16 October, 2013 by Tokyo-Saint

[Bearsy]

yeah SuperMikey is a bit pot + kettle calling bowers boring... anyone who has listened to his radio show will know what i mean!

[Glasgow_Saint]

All my friends (300 btw) are on here so I dont have the problems you have.

[Tokyo-Saint]

Maybe its cause you use two commas instead of one or even none. Some bosses don't like this.

[buctootim]

Tbh it doesnt really matter whether the supervisor is being fair or not. You're young without much experience and you've been there less than a year so have got few employment rights. Basically you need to suck it up, get some experience, skills and a decent reference and then leave for something better

[Tokyo-Saint]

Yeah Tim's right I'm afraid. Just do stuff to her coffee mug to let off stress. This can help.

[Big Bad Bob]

I was going to ask if you worked for a Poole based mobile phone call centre company but then I remembered you mentioning banking in your last thread.

 

This company sounds exactly like the company in Poole, high turnove of call centre staff and demoralising work regimes.

 

And, if you are going to use IM to talk to your buddy, be careful what you say, if it's a work based IM package what you say *WILL* be recorded and used in evidence against you..

[Minty]

Use of computers etc will almost certainly be covered in your employment contract, so as Bob says, be careful.

 

The fact you already have a couple of verbal warnings, whether they're minor or not, would indicate either an over-zealous supervisor, or that you deserved them... either way something needs to change, and it starts with you being honest with yourself about how hard you work and what you could improve.

 

If you are happy that you do work hard and that those warnings were indeed for minor things that did not warrant disciplinary action, however minor, then you should have a constructive discussion with your boss and ask her to support you - if she feels you are not working to standard, then to give you guidance on what to improve and how... ask for things to be included in your performance improvement plan or appraisal or whatever you have... if you don't have one, or she is unreceptive, then find another job, because sure as eggs is eggs, your time there won't get any better.

[Barry Sanchez]

Does she have solid evidence that you aren't delivering in your job? Do you meet your call KPIs? (I presume %age calls answered in so many seconds, AHT etc etc)

 

If not, she just doesn't like team spirit ...

 

If she does, knuckle down and get on with the job.

 

KPI's, a reason to give a short balding fat man a job.

[Viking Warrior]

Sounds like and over officious manager just like some at the prudential in reading .

Keep your head down . It will be difficult to prove a constructive dismissal claim in the organisation you are working at . You need to resign first . If staff are leaving in droves then it will not belong before the manager is given a p45 .

[Smirking_Saint]

Kids of today expecting the world....

[Jack]

She's probably just a *****, or doesn't like you, or you're not doing well enough, or any combination of those. Keep your head down while you search for a new job. It's far easier to get a new job when you've actually got a job.

[Noodles34]

Nail her anally, that should shut her up, perhaps she was actually coming on to you? Just her way of reaching out.

[Spudders]

Rule 1

[Window Cleaner]

Quit, Who wants to work in a call centre?

 

All those who can't get a real job I suppose

[bowers-sfc]

Really should stump up the £5 to be a full member. If only I had a proper job ey, window cleaner?

 

Anyway, cant chat online, most things are blocked. Could by email, but should that really be the way?

 

As far as I am aware, I am performing, and reaching my targets.

 

the call centre is based in southampton by the way.

 

Not sure what to do, all the people in my team fully agree with me, and said they will back me up if needed.

Think I annoyed her today though, She has been coming at me with 'as per your contract bla bla bla' for the past 6 months, so when she changed my lunch at 9 this morning from 12, and moved it until half 1, I threw it at her.

 

i arranged a meeting with the bank yesterday, for 12pm. I asked if I could have it back for the original time. She said this would only be possible If i swapped my lunches with someone. My contract states that they must give me 7 days notice to change my rota. I pointed this out to her and she said this does not include break or lunches. So when I cleared this up with my other boss, and union rep, before She kne my lunch was changed back.

 

She came up to me and said ' your lunch has changed back, but i hope you realise you are leaving the team short of people in that department' trying to make me feel bad.

 

Just to make sure its clear its not just me, I dont know anybody in my team, or the team next to me who like it here or want to stay.

 

Yes, I am looking for a new job as well...

[Tokyo-Saint]

Quit, Who wants to work in a call centre?

 

[Turkish]

Have you ever thought it might be your so callled chum who has complained to his boss about the fat idiot who sits in front of him constantly turning round and trying to be funny which is distracting him from his work?

 

To be honest pal you seem like a disruptive influence, remember it's not just you and your "chum" you are disturbing, it's the collective groans and muttering of "FFS" under their breath from the people that sit around you when they see you turning round about to subject them to another rendition of unfunny gags and purile ramblings in your attempts to be the office comedian.

 

Afer your career at McDonalds didn't work out for you then you really need to knuckle down and make a go of this one as there isn't many more places for you to go after your failure at McDonalds and now Call Centre work.

[Tractor_Saint]

in regards to warnings, I have a stage 1 for absence or 'going awol' ( see preivous thread ) and a couple of verbale warnings for minor issues.

 

Wow - impressive - and you wonder why your boss isn't happy and is pulling you back in line? It'd be interesting to see how many people on this thread have had 'verbal' warnings in their work. I've been employed for 20+ years and never had a verbal warning. I've been a manager for 15 years and only ever given one verbal warning and one gross misconduct sacking.

[bowers-sfc]

I would love, love love to know who you are come and say hello?

[Bearsy]

you sound like ideal employee, bowers, they is lucky to have you! Bunking off, constantly chatting, calling union when asked to change ur lunch break. I should ask for raise.

[pap]

you sound like ideal employee, bowers, they is lucky to have you! Bunking off, constantly chatting, calling union when asked to change ur lunch break. I should ask for raise.

 

My first boss scared the sh!t out of me. My advice to bowers is to learn to work. Sheer terror kept me in line in my first job. After that, it's just a case of putting a shift in during the early stages to ensure people know you're a grafter.

[swannymere]

If i were you i'd concentrate on getting your head down and doing the work rather than whining on here every five minutes. Everybody has had crap managers, the only way to get them off your back is work hard, it really is that simple. Failing that ask your mum to speak to her.

[Window Cleaner]

 

 

Not sure what to do, all the people in my team fully agree with me, and said they will back me up if needed.

Think I annoyed her today though, She has been coming at me with 'as per your contract bla bla bla' for the past 6 months, so when she changed my lunch at 9 this morning from 12, and moved it until half 1, I threw it at her.

 

i arranged a meeting with the bank yesterday, for 12pm. I asked if I could have it back for the original time. She said this would only be possible If i swapped my lunches with someone. My contract states that they must give me 7 days notice to change my rota. I pointed this out to her and she said this does not include break or lunches. So when I cleared this up with my other boss, and union rep, before She kne my lunch was changed back.

 

She came up to me and said ' your lunch has changed back, but i hope you realise you are leaving the team short of people in that department' trying to make me feel bad.

 

J.

 

 

 

maybe she fancies you and you didn't sh@g her at the office christmas party, that can sometimes have disastrous consequences.

[rooney]

I presume you have staff meetings every so often, Suggest you raise this issue on the agenda and then there will be ground rules for everyone to follow. If there is favourtism there will be discrimination and you may wish to keep that up your sleeve for another time.

[Weston Super Saint]

It will be horrendous.

The calls will be repetitive, the targets that they told you about at the interview will be stretched beyond belief, seriously diminishing your potential to earn much over minimum wage.

Your colleagues will be stupid and unengaging - why else are they in a call centre FFS!

Your boss will be a jumped up little ***** who will have six months service under his/her belt and will think they are the master of all sales people, ever.

The fat bird sitting opposite you will fancy you and will turn into a crazed stalker.

Staff parties will be the most dull affairs you have ever attended.

Your customers will rant and rave at you as if you have personally wronged them in some way.

Have I mentioned that it will be horrendous?

 

I posted this on Super Mickey's thread.

Can I now become a self professed Soothsayer?

[Jai27]

I worked in a call centre for a period of time 2 years ago. I spent 4 months there and it was the wake up call I needed to realise I was wasting my life. Leave, immediately.

[Grey Crab]

Have you ever thought it might be your so callled chum who has complained to his boss about the fat idiot who sits in front of him constantly turning round and trying to be funny which is distracting him from his work?

 

To be honest pal you seem like a disruptive influence, remember it's not just you and your "chum" you are disturbing, it's the collective groans and muttering of "FFS" under their breath from the people that sit around you when they see you turning round about to subject them to another rendition of unfunny gags and purile ramblings in your attempts to be the office comedian.

 

Afer your career at McDonalds didn't work out for you then you really need to knuckle down and make a go of this one as there isn't many more places for you to go after your failure at McDonalds and now Call Centre work.

 

Exactly. You could be a salesman like Turkish. He's really happy with his life.

[View From The Top]

Exactly. You could be a salesman like Turkish. He's really happy with his life.

 

Deppo, why so bitter?

[Turkish]

Deppo, why so bitter?

 

Odd isn't it. Don't really get this new character. Not funny, not interesting, just bitter.

[Bananaman]

Quit your job. Go to university. Find a passion.

[View From The Top]

Odd isn't it. Don't really get this new character. Not funny, not interesting, just bitter.

 

Nor do I.

 

Deppo could be cutting, but always did it with wit and intellect. Thus new persona is just very bitter and not a hint of humour.

[latter day saint]

Wow - impressive - and you wonder why your boss isn't happy and is pulling you back in line? It'd be interesting to see how many people on this thread have had 'verbal' warnings in their work. I've been employed for 20+ years and never had a verbal warning. I've been a manager for 15 years and only ever given one verbal warning and one gross misconduct sacking.

 

F*cking jobsworth!

(6 and counting)

Edited 18 October, 2013 by latter day saint

[Viking Warrior]

Bowers I thought you had the AWOL situation sorted . If you want me to help you . You have to be totally honest with me on what the real issues are . You have my email address or you had it

[Smirking_Saint]

Really should stump up the £5 to be a full member. If only I had a proper job ey, window cleaner?

 

Anyway, cant chat online, most things are blocked. Could by email, but should that really be the way?

 

As far as I am aware, I am performing, and reaching my targets.

 

the call centre is based in southampton by the way.

 

Not sure what to do, all the people in my team fully agree with me, and said they will back me up if needed.

Think I annoyed her today though, She has been coming at me with 'as per your contract bla bla bla' for the past 6 months, so when she changed my lunch at 9 this morning from 12, and moved it until half 1, I threw it at her.

 

i arranged a meeting with the bank yesterday, for 12pm. I asked if I could have it back for the original time. She said this would only be possible If i swapped my lunches with someone. My contract states that they must give me 7 days notice to change my rota. I pointed this out to her and she said this does not include break or lunches. So when I cleared this up with my other boss, and union rep, before She kne my lunch was changed back.

 

She came up to me and said ' your lunch has changed back, but i hope you realise you are leaving the team short of people in that department' trying to make me feel bad.

 

Just to make sure its clear its not just me, I dont know anybody in my team, or the team next to me who like it here or want to stay.

 

Yes, I am looking for a new job as well...

 

Ahh I remember who you are now.

 

Ill make this easy, realise that you get paid for the service you provide, not for just being

[Colinjb]

Ahh I remember who you are now.

 

Ill make this easy, realise that you get paid for the service you provide, not for just being

 

Sadly, this.

 

The screwing around with lunch shifts is bad, but the contracts work all ways. She doesn't sound a very good manager but call centres are absolute snake pits, skilled middle managers are not a pre-requisite.

 

Good luck in finding a new job, in the mean time for the love of god keep your nose clean.

[Patrick Bateman]

My advice would be to stop posting ******** on the internet; "Can't stand it anymore. Need a new job. Today was the final straw" is one of many, available to he public, that you've written. I'm really not surprised she has beef with you to be honest. Delete everything you've written, stop swearing and don't talk about how bad your job is ... it's a job, be thankful you (still) have one.