Colleague going on Maternity and I've been asked to take on her responsibilities

Trizt

Hi,

I'm looking for some advice, as I'm not comfortable being asked to take on maternity cover on top of my job.

We both work in the same field, but across two separate teams. I've been told that I'll be covering for her whilst she goes on Maternity. I'm not open to the idea, it's not something I want to do especially given that I'm swamped with my own team.

They've said that upon her return I'll then be moved onto the other team and she'll retake her position.

What are my rights/options here, can I refuse? Is there a chance I can ask for a pay increase?

Thanks,
Trizt

suzeesu2000

I would be happy to cover colleagues duties while she is om ML. Of course you will be increasing my salary for the duration.

Undervalued

If you are "swamped" now how would a pay rise change that?

Obviously you can ask. Maybe they would extend your hours but saying "I can only work harder if you pay me more is not a wise strategy".

getmore4less

if you think you will have too much work then you need to ask how this will be prioritized.

if you will have 2 bosses who gets to decide what gets done first.

if there is a culture of unpaid overtime then you have to clear this up before you take over the work.

who covers holiday currently, how will you be able to take holiday if swamped(they can be off for a full years so a use or loose policy could hit you)

If they manage with you covering then that could mean redundancy because it is clear there is one person more than needed.

if you need training/handover when will that get done?

don't mention more money till you resolve the resource/workload issue.

TELLIT01

Put all you concerns in writing. Get answers to all the questions posed by getmore4less above.
If they insist on going ahead despite your protestations that the workload will be unmanageable, inform management immediately a backlog starts to build but do not work additional hours to clear any backlog.. To do so will only strengthen the management case that the workload is manageable.
It's a subject that I feel very strongly about. My wife was put into a similar situation some years ago but tried to cover the work. It was an impossibility and she came close to a nervous breakdown because of it. Management attitude was "You said you could do it, so get on with it!"
Bottom line - look after your own best interests because it's unlikely that others will do it for you.

Ozzuk

IMO you should only get paid more if there is an increase in responsibility. If you suggest you get paid more for doing more work, that suggests capacity in your current role. Ultimately companies (with exceptions) can ask you to do whatever they want - with the caveat if the work is at a higher level you should be compensated for it (pay rise).

I'm not a HR bod though, but my role changes all the time. I tend to take all opportunities on to the best of my abilities, if I think I'm being stretched too far I let my management know, if I think I'm being underpaid I give examples why (like a business case, with market examples). I'm seen as a can do employee and often rewarded without needing to ask, rather than a negative 'troublemaker' who pushes back.

Good luck though, it's often a fine line between not being taken advantage of and being cooperative.

missbiggles1

Are you just taking over her responsibilities or being expected to do her actual work?

getmore4less

There is the possibility that the reason you are swamped is because you are not managing your own work load properly.

what is it you do for the "team"?

Trizt

Thank you all for your helpful answers. I shall be taking on her workload and expected to do her work. Managements thoughts are that my work should have settled down by then but I really doubt it will. I shall lay out my concerns, get answers to getmore4less questions and use Ozzuks advice.

Thanks again,
Trizt