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July 20, 2010
SOME EMPLOYEES WORK HARD WHILE OTHERS HARDLY WORK
DEAR ABBY: I understand the frustration of "Takes My Job
Seriously" (June 1), the supervisor who complained about her
female employees requesting time off for kids' school and
sports events or beauty appointments. Over the last few years
I have noticed a decline in work ethic across the board.
Phone calls go unreturned, workers stand around idle and
errors are made on important forms. People seem to do the
minimum necessary to make it to the end of the day, and
supervisors aren't much different -- they allow this be-
havior. Years ago, people worked hard for their money. Now
they hardly work.
-- GETTING THE JOB DONE
DEAR GETTING: Your letter was one of many I received filled
with interesting -- and varied -- comments on this topic.
Read on:
DEAR ABBY: I am the owner of a recruiting company, and I
agree with the writer's views on the quality of today's work
force. I hear from many frustrated clients seeking employees
who actually want to work for their paycheck. We have turned
into an entitlement society. No one wants to take respons-
ibility for his/her work or life any longer. And they expect
big-time money for no responsibility.
-- VALERIE IN GEORGIA
DEAR ABBY: "TMJS" fails to take into consideration the evo-
lution of the work force. Not only are there more women
working now, but we usually work far beyond the regular
9-to-5 grind. As a single mom, I need flexibility in my
schedule to get everything done that's demanded of me at
work and at home. I take my laptop home every night and work
after my son goes to sleep.
"TMJS" may feel superior because I'm not in the office as
much as she is, but I'll bet I work more hours per week.
Technology now allows us the flexibility of choice.
-- BONNIE C.
DEAR ABBY: I supervise several younger women. Studies have
shown that while these employees want to do a good job, they
find it equally important to have "work/life" balance. I
actually think they are smarter than we are. We tend to
overwork and feel guilty if we take a day for ourselves. If
they take the time they have earned and use it for what they
enjoy -- good for them.
-- WORKAHOLIC IN FORT COLLINS
DEAR ABBY: "TMJS" should update her management training.
While we mourn the loss of the way things were, there have
been positive changes as well. Understanding diversity in
the workplace is imperative for a successful manager. My
20-year-old would be shocked at the concept of staying in
one job for 45 years -- but that was the norm in my dad's
day. In this global economy, "different" does not equal
"bad."
-- PATTY IN LANCASTER, PA.
DEAR ABBY: "TMJS" must have entered the work force when
companies still took care of loyal, longtime employees by
providing good benefits and job security. It paid to go the
extra mile for your employer because you knew your company
would return the favor when needed.
In recent years this has changed. Workers today realize that
sacrificing their personal life for their professional one
does not necessarily reap any benefits. The so-called break-
down of the family unit may be the result of workers dedi-
cating themselves more to their jobs than to their home
lives.
-- FAMILY FIRST IN TEXAS
DEAR ABBY: I supervise young, highly paid federal employees
and expect them to work hard for the money taxpayers pay
them. They seem to think their personal problems should be
mine. I disagree. A job is a privilege too many people fail
to appreciate until it's gone.
-- SERIOUS, TOO, IN THE SOUTHWEST
For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist
and a more sociable person, order "How to Be Popular." Send a
business-sized, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money
order for $6 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby -- Popularity
Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Postage
is included in the price.)
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as
Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline
Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box
69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.