British Work Ethic Condemned

vivatifosi

Cleaver wrote: »

I know what you mean Viva, but if you're someone who wants to spend two hours a day wasting time at work then you'll do it. In 1993 it was probably doing crosswords, in 2011 it might be surfing the web.

I think what I'm getting at is that it's all about give and take. The best firms I've worked for - and I've been lucky, most have been like this - have expected me to go the extra mile but in exchange have bent over backwards when I've needed anything. I'd much rather have that kind of a relationship with my employer than have to rely on a trade union to bargain for me. Even working in the public sector I refuse to join the union, its just not me.

geneer

HAMISH_MCTAVISH wrote: »

Nah, they force him to take those breaks.

Gets a bit tiring being on your feet all day, asking people if they "want fries with that"...

Probably explains why he's pushing 40, still living with his mum, and has never been able to afford a house....:cool:

Hamish does not of course take a lunch break.
Being such a towering leader of men, he's free to post on chat rooms all the live long day. :rotfl:

Pimperne1

kabayiri wrote: »

Do you have to work at being obnoxious or does it come naturally? :mad:

The implication in your post is that someone is less worthy just because they work for McDonalds et al.

No wonder those in management are awarded the title 'arrogant t***ers'.

It is Geneer he is being obnoxious to so I think any of us who have seen Geneer's necrophiliac comments relating to poster's mothers etc will forgive Hamish.

Cleaver

vivatifosi wrote: »

I think what I'm getting at is that it's all about give and take. The best firms I've worked for - and I've been lucky, most have been like this - have expected me to go the extra mile but in exchange have bent over backwards when I've needed anything. I'd much rather have that kind of a relationship with my employer than have to rely on a trade union to bargain for me. Even working in the public sector I refuse to join the union, its just not me.

We sound very similar. I have a lot of respect for my organisation, and my manager in particular, as they do a lot for me if or when I need it. I manage my own time, and I know that if I didn't have something important on and I needed a few hours for something personal one afternoon they'd be fine with it. Because of this I'm more than happy to repay the favour if they need someone to do something one Saturday morning, for example.

I have the option to join a union but am not a member. It's not something I ever really see the need for.

ninky_2

globalds wrote: »

Worst thing to happen to British managers was the smashing of the Unions.

I worked in a closed shop for 5 years and managers having some resistance in place to stop knee jerk reactions from being followed through created a better quality manager.

I worked for 6 years in Japan and that closed shop environment was the closest experience I have had working in the UK to the working style in Japan.

absolutely. of course managers were (and can still be) members of unions themselves. people in unions often have more of a work ethic because membership gives them a sense of identity that is work-related. being in a union also costs money. it's a sign of commitment to your chosen area of work as well as frequently offering training, advice and a free organised platform for work related concerns to be raised with management.

a good manager should relish the challenge of negotiating with unions. a foolish one sees them as the enemy.

Cleaver

ninky wrote: »

people in unions often have more of a work ethic because membership gives them a sense of identity that is work-related.

I would question this statement.

Kennyboy66

I had a great Irish boss who asked everyone who ever worked for him where their first loyalty in work lay - after the usually platitudes about 'the company', he patiently explained that the correct answer should be

a) you.
b) your family.
c) your profession.
d) and last but not least your present employer.

Other great truisms he loved were, "if you want a job done, give it to a busy man" and "accept no monkeys" - meaning beware the type of employee or manager whose main skill involves passing difficult jobs onto others.

Another boss, who hated the culture of working late just for the sake of it said "we don't work for pizzas".

Is it just me enjoying the irony of those posters who not only manage to easily clock 50 or 60 hours weeks in work, do a bit at the weekend, manage a couple of dozen posts on here each day AND have families.

Kennyboy66

Cleaver wrote: »

I would question this statement.

All the evidence suggests that unionised workers are more productive.

quantic

Well at my last employer I pretty much worked 8-8 every day, and weekends even though my contract stated 37 hours. I received zero recognition, worked there for 3 years, didn't get a single pay rise so left. Now earn 11k more a year and work 9-5 ever day and whenever I am asked to work outside of 9-5 they give me my hours back as holiday.

I now strive to make sure I get everything I need to get done between 9-5 and I feel I get more respect for this then being a !!!!! for them.

diable

quantic wrote: »

Well at my last employer I pretty much worked 8-8 every day, and weekends even though my contract stated 37 hours. I received zero recognition, worked there for 3 years, didn't get a single pay rise so left. Now earn 11k more a year and work 9-5 ever day and whenever I am asked to work outside of 9-5 they give me my hours back as holiday.

I now strive to make sure I get everything I need to get done between 9-5 and I feel I get more respect for this then being a !!!!! for them.

What was the reason for allowing them to screw you for 3 years?