mina2 6 Posted September 11, 2003 Share Posted September 11, 2003 I have 2 Japanese part timers working for me, and I'm sure one of them is slacking off a bit too much and wondering what to do about it. Their work is ok, no real complaints, but a few small things get on my nerves. Like when they go out of the office to do a work job like go to the post office or the bank, I think they sometimes go to the 7-11 as well (which is non work but in work time) and stuff like that....always seems to take more time than it should. Nothing major I know, but it just annoys me. Just wondering how to go about this one. Whether to make a fuss or not, and if it's worth doing that. What would you do? Link to post Share on other sites
LiquidX 0 Posted September 11, 2003 Share Posted September 11, 2003 If its nothing major and they do their work ok generally, I wouldn't make a fuss. Everyone slacks off to a certain degree. Link to post Share on other sites
miteyak 0 Posted September 11, 2003 Share Posted September 11, 2003 I hope you're not posting from work, mina2... Link to post Share on other sites
mina2 6 Posted September 11, 2003 Author Share Posted September 11, 2003 I "own" "work". Link to post Share on other sites
barok 0 Posted September 11, 2003 Share Posted September 11, 2003 yeah, let 'em slack, nothing worse than a nazi boss. 7-11 ? What do they do - get food and drinks ? Ya Gotta have food and drinks. If their work slips, you can get all tough, but if everything gets done, what is the problem ? Looking busy is pointless. I always feel so bad for people like cashiers, etc. made to stand around in one place forever, as if hitting register keys while sitting down would somehow be inferior. In Japan it was Office Ladies shuffling papers, or cleaning the already spotless office just to a) look busy so as to avoid the truly unpleasant tasks - cleaning the bathrooms, etc. Link to post Share on other sites
jared 0 Posted September 11, 2003 Share Posted September 11, 2003 I think I'm with Barok - If they get the work done to a satisfactory standerd then your still getting what you paid for. If you dont think your getting value for money then slip it into casual conversation and see what happens - It might be as simple as that. Link to post Share on other sites
miteyak 0 Posted September 11, 2003 Share Posted September 11, 2003 monkey see, monkey do... If it doesn't effect productivity, leave it alone. In my experience, many Japanese have their own 'pace' of doing things, esp. at the office level! Link to post Share on other sites
mina2 6 Posted September 11, 2003 Author Share Posted September 11, 2003 Well, if they didn't take the 15 minutes extra when they went out, they could get more done in the office, no?? I have noticed that since the business is mine and effectively my money, I do think about these things more. But don't want to be thought of as a nazi!! Perhaps I should give some slack Link to post Share on other sites
miteyak 0 Posted September 11, 2003 Share Posted September 11, 2003 I generally follow the philosophy that expectations have to be reflected by reward. Low pay, casual contract workers are going to be slack, and if that's what you pay for, give the workers the 'bonus' of a casual workplace. Pay above market rates-you can be a nazi! Link to post Share on other sites
damian 0 Posted September 11, 2003 Share Posted September 11, 2003 Get the job done: that is what they are paid for. Do more than that: that is what they get a bonus for. So what if they go to 7-11?? If I have the time and my work is not affected, I will take a 2 hour lunch. If you treat people like mice on a treadmill, then that will influence what you get in return. What you need to do is break the back of their seemingly 'sneaking out' when you are not there. They shouldn't have to act like that. They should be able to stand up at any stage in the day and say "just going down to 7-11, anyone want a coke? Back in 5". Link to post Share on other sites
big-will 7 Posted September 11, 2003 Share Posted September 11, 2003 Generally with the people on this one. The issue becomes more important when the staff start to take advantage of this attitude and push it to the limits...although if they are at that stage anyway you might be better off without them. Link to post Share on other sites
damian 0 Posted September 11, 2003 Share Posted September 11, 2003 agree there big-w. It isn't a matter of cutting them slack. You cut a brat slack, not a good employee. What you need to do is develop a culture of treating them like employed adults with professional obligation. You give that and expect behaviour from them that befits an employed adult with a professional obligation. You need to call on their ethical values as an adult & as part of a team. If at that stage they let you down, execute them. Link to post Share on other sites
Ocean11 0 Posted September 11, 2003 Share Posted September 11, 2003 I screw the pooch something rotten (had you noticed...?) Perhaps I should say something to myself. I totally agree with db. That's not usually a philosophy that is applied to non-full time work situations, but it can and should be. Then if you have set reasonable work-related targets that you keep tabs on, and the targets aren't met, then you can start asking why not. But let people achieve in their own way and own time, and they usually will. Link to post Share on other sites
DumbStick 13 Posted September 12, 2003 Share Posted September 12, 2003 Give them some space, if the work is suffering thats the time to talk about things.. Link to post Share on other sites
Ocean11 0 Posted September 12, 2003 Share Posted September 12, 2003 What line of bidness you in anyway mina2? Link to post Share on other sites
control_freak 0 Posted September 12, 2003 Share Posted September 12, 2003 Sack 'em! Nah, really if they are doing what they need to and generally ok what do you expect. Just be wary if they take it too far. Link to post Share on other sites
mikazooki 0 Posted September 12, 2003 Share Posted September 12, 2003 nice balanced opinions there, but nothing that will really stop the insatiable pull of the 7-11. i recommend ankle restraints chaining the staff to within 15 feet of their desk. u can get this kind of stuff from sex shops. but when u go in, don't tell the shop owner u are planning to restrain your staff with them, otherwise u'll look appear to be a weirdo. note: if your staff have to deal with customers u will need to wrap the chains to stop them clinking. Link to post Share on other sites
rach 1 Posted September 12, 2003 Share Posted September 12, 2003 You probably know when they are pushing it - if you find yourself being consumed and constantly irritated by whatever, then you have no choice but to bring it up. Whatever, hope it works out ok Link to post Share on other sites
ug 0 Posted September 13, 2003 Share Posted September 13, 2003 I'd talk to them about it and bring it up - but in a friendly way. Link to post Share on other sites
barok 0 Posted September 13, 2003 Share Posted September 13, 2003 Yeah, talking to them about your feelings really might not be a bad idea, but I would think such a task to be too difficult (at least for me) in Japanese, where it seems you have to get the language just right, else it be interpreted as 10 other things. but yeah, after reconsidering, I agree with db - great idea would be to develop a culture of fairness amongst yer employees - so that you can have them get the job done, whilst cutting them some slack, and all the while they fully understand their limits. But again, I think this kind of idea seems un-Japanese, and therefore hard to teach. But, as a rookie, what the hell do I know. Link to post Share on other sites
Stefan 0 Posted September 13, 2003 Share Posted September 13, 2003 Just get on with work, they are probably bored senseless with their jobs and thinking of the weekend! Link to post Share on other sites
gurningbob 0 Posted September 16, 2003 Share Posted September 16, 2003 I'd bring it up - as it obviously bothers you to some extent and therefore probably affects your work, and needs to be brought out into the open. Just be careful how you bring it up! Link to post Share on other sites
IceEiji 0 Posted September 23, 2003 Share Posted September 23, 2003 I think it is best to talk about it with the staff and just come to an understanding about it. That is best. Link to post Share on other sites
DrEvil 0 Posted September 26, 2003 Share Posted September 26, 2003 I'd sack them unceremoniously. Or even blow them up in their chairs, like on Thunderball. Link to post Share on other sites
mina2 6 Posted September 27, 2003 Author Share Posted September 27, 2003 Cheers What line of business? Guess what --- Engrish. Link to post Share on other sites
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