Some bosses need to take a kindness pill!

Grabs39

Sambucus_Nigra wrote: »

If someone really wanted to get data out of the office, then they would just do it. Data stick ban or no data stick ban.

Probably could. I get the feeling we digressed though.

NikNox

Sambucus_Nigra wrote: »

If someone really wanted to get data out of the office, then they would just do it. Data stick ban or no data stick ban.

He doesn't want to sneak data out of the office, just himself, on this occasion!

axomoxia

Sambucus_Nigra wrote: »

If someone really wanted to get data out of the office, then they would just do it. Data stick ban or no data stick ban.

Which is why you lock down the USB ports through the BIOS, block access to all webmail and FTP and IRC/MSN.

Torry_Quine

Sambucus_Nigra wrote: »

Where do you get this bizarre notion that all mobile phones need to be turned off at work? If a call comes, it can come just as easily to the switchboard so there really is no need to be so precious about keeping mobile phones off for selected calls.

Sorry that you think it a bizarre notion that personal phones are switched off at work. When you are at work then that should be the focus, you can check at break-times whether you have recieved any messages that need attention surely.

Maybe its a generational thing, to me the need to be instantly reachable at all times is not something I can fathom.

NikNox wrote: »

I don't know anyone who has their mobile off at work. On silent, maybe, but not off. It's not in his contract that mobiles must be off, nor is there a policy. All his colleagues have their phones on too (and some spend all day on them on FB & Ebay). Besides, this was a special circumstance, something very much out of the ordinary. If it was me calling him for a chat then fair enough, but making an issue about taking the call is pointless.

I don't think its pointless actually. Maybe working in an office environment some bosses are more relaxed about this. If I text someone who may be working I don't expect a reply right away but when they get a chance. If I know someone is working then I wait until later.

NikNox

It is pointless in this case, because they don't have breaks where my husband works (despite contractual entitlement to them), and he only ever has 20 minutes of his one hour lunch break along with the rest of the staff because otherwise the boss gives them evils. So, one personal phone call at work in 6 years in these circumstances is pointless to discuss.

Sambucus_Nigra

Torry_Quine wrote: »

Maybe its a generational thing, to me the need to be instantly reachable at all times is not something I can fathom.

Why, what generation are you from?

RosaBernicia

Doesn't seem reasonable if cover was actually available.

Interesting feedback about personal calls though - everybody keeps them on in our office and of course 99.9% of people only do that so they can be reached if necessary and never answer for more than 30 secs. Apart from the one who accepts 40 minute calls... I may have to suggest a policy is written.

OP I'm sorry to say this but I would make sure you write all this down in diary form as it happens, and get copies of any policies as they stand at the time. The point on telling people what they can and cannot speak of to colleagues at work is ridiculous unless it's going to be backed up by a No Idle Chit Chat Policy For All, which somehow I doubt is going to happen. And if the 'boss' / other four letter word is like this now, he may get worse - you want all the info in place in case you're ever forced to challenge him.

I really hope your OH does get another opportunity.


Rosa xx

Torry_Quine

NikNox wrote: »

It is pointless in this case, because they don't have breaks where my husband works (despite contractual entitlement to them), and he only ever has 20 minutes of his one hour lunch break along with the rest of the staff because otherwise the boss gives them evils. So, one personal phone call at work in 6 years in these circumstances is pointless to discuss.

You brought up the phone call and I just responded.

I will reiterate that I think its a shame he missed this opportunity.

Sambucus_Nigra wrote: »

Why, what generation are you from?

The one that doesn't think personal calls should be taken at work other than in an emergency. Also managed at to survive without being able to be reached instantly at all times.

NikNox

Rosa, thank you. I hope he gets another opportunity too. I'm appalled that this boss said there's to be no idle chit chat in the office. All offices have idle chit chat throughout the day. But, we think it may be purely directed at my husband because his boss told him he has to choose between his hobby and his job (because he leaves at 5pm to come home and go in his studio, 5pm being his,leaving time but boss wants him to stay on every night), so it will certainly be diarised as its blatantly bullying.

starrystarry

Torry_Quine wrote: »

The one that doesn't think personal calls should be taken at work other than in an emergency. Also managed at to survive without being able to be reached instantly at all times.

Folk used to survive perfectly well before the invention of telephones full stop. Doesn't mean we want to go back to those days. It's called progress.

Personally, I wouldn't want to work for an employer that insisted I turn my mobile phone off. Fortunately mine treats me like an intelligent, responsible adult.