(no subject)
Nov. 29th, 2005 08:21 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
vicarzI regained my composure and didn't send this work-related email. However, I think I just re-entered the job market. The following is the pointless temper-tantrum that I took the time to write out and NOT SEND.
My last performance rating was "outstanding" and came with a bonus (the same rating last year received no bonus)
I have just received a list of my actions that have not been completed beyond the COB date. I will answer the questions presented, in writing as instructed, but I wanted to voice my strong discontent with this process as I receive this "ding" for poor performance.
My requested update is on the XXX case.
11/17/05 Received (actually received 11/8/05 - requested an extension based on a pending request for additional information, re-opened on 11/17/05)
11/22/05 COB
11/18/05 Draft submitted (REVIEWER has been out on leave almost the entire time since the draft was submitted during the holiday season)
11/23/05 Draft re-submitted to BOSS since REVIEWER was out
11/28/05 REVIEWER approved the XXX draft with changes
11/28/05 Letter issued
I understand and sympathize with the emphasis on the deadlines for processing cases; however, I think I have passed the point where the monitoring seems reasonable. I am also sympathizing with the increase in the required quality of our work, but again I feel that combined with our timelines that we have passed the point where this monitoring is reasonable.
The auto-generated request for an update will be generating even more lost time by requiring me to write up a summary of why the case is late. Combined with the weekly reports, weekly meeting, and monthly meetings, rather than tools to assist me in performing my job - I am now feeling like I am faced with further delays in working.
The auto-generated report also requests information about any holdups with my reviewing official. I am already uncomfortable with the request to use track changes and print copies of all my reviewee's work, as this puts me uncomfortably close to performing supervisory duties without supervisory pay. I also cannot emphasize how very uninterested I am in reporting on my co-workers.
As a final note, I cannot help but point out that our COB dates have been greatly reduced. I believe the average number of days now given to an ER Specialist is 7 to review a new case and issue a proposal. This is far less than the days we once were allowed (and usually met).
• As I scan my cases, I find that while most of them show 8 days to perform, the cases assigned the 21st were received the 22nd (I understand there was an administrative mix-up on that issue). As Thursday was a holiday, that left me 5 working days to get these 5 cases done.
• BIGBOSS stepped in and reprioritized my inquiry into the XYZ Staff to be due COB Friday December 2, 2005, so I am not sure that I will be able to complete my regular case work in time per the COB dates. Because my reason for not being on time is a holiday and other pressing timelines, I lack the ability to request an extension as I am not awaiting additional information.
• NEWBOSS has requested that I request extensions in advance, before due dates. This is a reasonable request, but then I have to spend even more time reviewing my cases and trying to forecast how long each one will take as I work on them, in addition to having the ability to predict what issues will pop up as the day progresses.
I hate to go down the list of pending cases on my log, explaining and excusing the late cases I am certain to face. I recognize that there may well be other specialists doing more work than myself, especially when we consider the field specialists and their frequent travel requirements. I worry about explaining "my case" with regard to my caseload and timelines, but as I can see there are more late cases in the days ahead, and my reasons for requesting extensions are not acceptable as I understand the rules today, I feel I should note those cases that may be late in the future and the reasons for them. At the same time, by doing so I have to show that either I have made mistakes or that I lack the ability to perform the work assigned - neither of which is something I care to advertise.
I'm afraid I'm left in the position where I feel that I am constantly in a defensive position, scrambling to try and meet the tight deadlines while spending a fair amount of time making sure everything I do is documented and date-trackable so I can defend any failures. While I might be able to perform that task, it too is time consuming, mentally draining, and morale damaging. I've really enjoyed working in this branch, and still enjoy the work itself. I've also noticed an improvement in the temporary downturn in the atmosphere here. However, I'm afraid that this tip of the iceberg I'm perceiving in this 11/28/05 auto-generated warning has sent my appreciation of the branch into a tailspin.
You could argue I just wasted time on LJ, but I don't give a flying fuck about the next 5 late dates I can see coming, and sitting here letting off steam is all that kept me from walking out of there today. I am way ahead of a bunch of other employees too, who are facing far more of these. I'm one of the ones they point to as an example that "Gee it can be done, look at José." Fuck that.
My last performance rating was "outstanding" and came with a bonus (the same rating last year received no bonus)
I have just received a list of my actions that have not been completed beyond the COB date. I will answer the questions presented, in writing as instructed, but I wanted to voice my strong discontent with this process as I receive this "ding" for poor performance.
My requested update is on the XXX case.
11/17/05 Received (actually received 11/8/05 - requested an extension based on a pending request for additional information, re-opened on 11/17/05)
11/22/05 COB
11/18/05 Draft submitted (REVIEWER has been out on leave almost the entire time since the draft was submitted during the holiday season)
11/23/05 Draft re-submitted to BOSS since REVIEWER was out
11/28/05 REVIEWER approved the XXX draft with changes
11/28/05 Letter issued
I understand and sympathize with the emphasis on the deadlines for processing cases; however, I think I have passed the point where the monitoring seems reasonable. I am also sympathizing with the increase in the required quality of our work, but again I feel that combined with our timelines that we have passed the point where this monitoring is reasonable.
The auto-generated request for an update will be generating even more lost time by requiring me to write up a summary of why the case is late. Combined with the weekly reports, weekly meeting, and monthly meetings, rather than tools to assist me in performing my job - I am now feeling like I am faced with further delays in working.
The auto-generated report also requests information about any holdups with my reviewing official. I am already uncomfortable with the request to use track changes and print copies of all my reviewee's work, as this puts me uncomfortably close to performing supervisory duties without supervisory pay. I also cannot emphasize how very uninterested I am in reporting on my co-workers.
As a final note, I cannot help but point out that our COB dates have been greatly reduced. I believe the average number of days now given to an ER Specialist is 7 to review a new case and issue a proposal. This is far less than the days we once were allowed (and usually met).
• As I scan my cases, I find that while most of them show 8 days to perform, the cases assigned the 21st were received the 22nd (I understand there was an administrative mix-up on that issue). As Thursday was a holiday, that left me 5 working days to get these 5 cases done.
• BIGBOSS stepped in and reprioritized my inquiry into the XYZ Staff to be due COB Friday December 2, 2005, so I am not sure that I will be able to complete my regular case work in time per the COB dates. Because my reason for not being on time is a holiday and other pressing timelines, I lack the ability to request an extension as I am not awaiting additional information.
• NEWBOSS has requested that I request extensions in advance, before due dates. This is a reasonable request, but then I have to spend even more time reviewing my cases and trying to forecast how long each one will take as I work on them, in addition to having the ability to predict what issues will pop up as the day progresses.
I hate to go down the list of pending cases on my log, explaining and excusing the late cases I am certain to face. I recognize that there may well be other specialists doing more work than myself, especially when we consider the field specialists and their frequent travel requirements. I worry about explaining "my case" with regard to my caseload and timelines, but as I can see there are more late cases in the days ahead, and my reasons for requesting extensions are not acceptable as I understand the rules today, I feel I should note those cases that may be late in the future and the reasons for them. At the same time, by doing so I have to show that either I have made mistakes or that I lack the ability to perform the work assigned - neither of which is something I care to advertise.
I'm afraid I'm left in the position where I feel that I am constantly in a defensive position, scrambling to try and meet the tight deadlines while spending a fair amount of time making sure everything I do is documented and date-trackable so I can defend any failures. While I might be able to perform that task, it too is time consuming, mentally draining, and morale damaging. I've really enjoyed working in this branch, and still enjoy the work itself. I've also noticed an improvement in the temporary downturn in the atmosphere here. However, I'm afraid that this tip of the iceberg I'm perceiving in this 11/28/05 auto-generated warning has sent my appreciation of the branch into a tailspin.
You could argue I just wasted time on LJ, but I don't give a flying fuck about the next 5 late dates I can see coming, and sitting here letting off steam is all that kept me from walking out of there today. I am way ahead of a bunch of other employees too, who are facing far more of these. I'm one of the ones they point to as an example that "Gee it can be done, look at José." Fuck that.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2005-11-29 02:06 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-11-29 05:15 pm (UTC)My last rating was outstanding. It would look funny to PIP me now. I just might leave though - stupid to have a job where I have to always defend my productivity. If I was going to self-micro-manage, I should just bill in 6 minute increments and be a scumbag lawyer for real. Sigh.
no subject
Date: 2005-11-29 05:18 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-11-29 05:49 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-11-29 02:44 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-11-29 05:15 pm (UTC)