Arbitrary Changes
I don't know if anyone else has this problem. You do something the way you were told to and then for some reason, you have to go back to a document or spreadsheet only to find that everything has been changed by someone else with no explanation.
I just made this discovery about half an hour ago. Why am I wasting my time collecting data, sorting, and formatting it if someone else after the fact is going to come by and change everything? If there's supposed to be some sort of standard to present information, make a template or something and inform everyone that this is the way you want things presented--don't just arbitrarily change it and not say anything.
I have so much to do on a normal basis that I don't have time to check and see if any procedures have changed. And, I'm pretty sure that falls under the duties of a supervisor.
I'm currently doing a project management course for school and while I don't understand allthe aspects of it, I can see the relevance of consistent communication between all parties (as well as understanding). I wish my current job utilized methods like that.
@Enthenia I completely understand your frustration. Consistency and clear communication are crucial in any workplace, and it can be disheartening when changes are made without proper notification. It sounds like you're doing your best to manage your tasks efficiently, and it's entirely reasonable to expect a clear standard for presenting information.
Your insight from the project management course is spot on – effective communication is key for a harmonious and productive work environment. Hopefully, your concerns can be addressed, and there can be more clarity moving forward 💛
@Mya000 I didn't think anyone actually saw this! I have worked in different places and different positions but where I'm currently at is the most disorganized even though they chamion the notion of being one of the best places to eork. Perhaps in another aspect of the organization or the main corporate office and not a bramch but not where I'm at.
There is a lot of underlying tension. Many don't feel like they can say anything or if they say anything, it won't actually go anywhere. Then you have people like me who refuse to say anything lest it get taken out of context and used against you a second time. Also, my current workload doesn't allow me time to do anything else. I look at over 4k reports in a month. If it's a month with a quarterly review, that number gets higher.
And, if I do ask why things are being changed, I get a response that the leads know best and to trust them. Basically a "sit down, shut up, and go back to work" response. It's like they want something mechanical in the job and not something capable of abstract thought. A "just do it" or "accept whatever they do" does not explain the why's and wherefores. Why would I keep at a job if I don't get the reasons behind something (which is apt to change with no notice)? There are other jobs to be had out there.
@Enthenia It's tough when there's a lack of transparency and open communication. Feeling like your input might not make a difference can be disheartening. It's completely understandable that you'd want to know the reasoning behind changes, especially given the impact on your role.. Your dedication to your job is clear, especially considering the immense workload you're managing.
Remember your perspective and concerns are valid, and it's important to feel valued in your workplace. If you ever need to talk more about this or just want someone to listen, I'm here. Sometimes, discussing these challenges can bring new insights or strategies for coping.
Wishing you the best and hoping for positive changes in your work environment soon.
@Mya000 thanks. I'm caught up now and the ones who were panicking about me being behind haven't been in the office. They've been working from home which is something I can't do with my puppy. She's a working dog and requires a lot of interaction.
@Enthenia, it is completely understandable that you would be frustrated. It is so hard when we put in hard work just for it to be undone by somebody else. I'd imagine it's particularly frustrating when there is no communication. it sounds as though your giving it your all, and really what more can we do? hang in there, you got this.
What boundaries where being broken?
What could you have done better?
Can you forgive that person?
What the one thing you can do help you move forward?
@aimewellnes @aimewellnes Not sure about boundaries. It's a work setting and since I'm not management, I have no say in how things are done. If I complain or express dislike on proceedings, I am seen as argumentative (has happened before).
What could I have done better? I guess I could have forgone my breaks (which I hardly take to begin with) that way I could have processed more.
I don't know who changed things. Only about 20% of the staff is in the office. Most work from home.
I'm past the point of trying to figure out things. I just go in for eight hours, leave, and then get ready to do it again the next day. It's a treadmill.
Enthenia do you trust your manager? If so I would ask their permission to get an audit of the file by IT to see who edited it and then while copying your manager ask for a meeting with that person who changed it asking for clarification about the changes and asking them not to do that again without checking with you first. They violated your intellectual property and dignity doing that. I work in IT and I would NEVER edit someone else's file without telling them. I would ask to collaborate on the document and ask permission to suggest some edits based on X format guidelines or policy. Whatever reason that person gives ask them why those guidelines aren't published or shared. Information affecting your work needs to be shared with you period. There should be no "black box" around people allowed to change or delete your work without notice, reason or accountability. That sets up an environment of fear and distrust. And the person who did that to you knows that.
Furthermore I dont know what software you use but MS Office 365 tells you exactly who all made edits and when. I think you could also just call your help desk and ask for this info but it would be better to get your boss on your side first.
Also you may want to check and see if your company has a code of conduct. Read it carefully and see if it has a section around behavior like this. If it does and they violated it, thats grounds for an HR complaint. You can tactfully point out to that persons manager about the secretive and disrespectful behavior towards your files and ask their access be restricted if you do not report to them either on the project or on the org chart. I've worked in Corporate IT for 30+ years in over 15 orgs and I'm telling you a setup where people's work files are not respected and protected with folder permissions based access by role is not the norm in business or government.
Oh and finally you may want to save multiple copies of your work when you save so your work isnt lost this way in the future.
@Consumer007 The changes were most likely made by a lead and management has basically told me to accept anything and everything they do because they have more experience in the job.
HR is of no help. That just made my write-up worse. I'm not going to HR again. It's not worth the extra trouble.
The strategy I have is the best way. Don't talk to anyone, do my work as efficiently as possible (almost mechanical), try not to let it get to me, continue my classes, and obtain skills that could get me a better job.
