Work Place Performance. Do I Say Anything to HR?

Melb69 on 30/08/2019 - 07:18
Last edited 30/08/2019 - 07:19

I want to know what people's thoughts are on this issue. As you would expect in this climate there is a priority to perform efficiently as possible because the profitability of the project and thus income coming in is important. I get that.

The HR guy has been monitoring a few staff. Well he has to justify his job. About hours on projects and flagging us if its over the allocated time.

A colleague is a good worker from what I can tell as he seems to work on what he does far quicker than I. Which is fine. However on a project he was less that focused on the task and did spend a lot of time away from his text. This has now come to bit him a bit as the HR guy has flagged the hours. Also having a word with him about it and how its costing the company money for the amount of extra time he spent.

As I am a senior staff member should I be expected to flag to the HR guy that he may not have been working productively on that project. For me I don't want the be in a position where the HR guys puts it on me as to why I didn't say anything. To me I think its the HR guys responsibility or the person my colleague is working under to pull him aside. Thoughts. By the way I get along really well with this guy, so hence why I have just done my own work and just ignored it.

In my opinion a lot of non productive people can easily make judgement on other when they should be doing their job. 1. HR guys should be looking at the hours spend or at least the project officer who he works under. It was put back on this guy to tell management that he was going over with the hours(after the fact). I appreciate that as well.

Education & Work

Comments

  • poboy on 30/08/2019 - 07:29

    What industry is this? If you have a manic HR rep, you need to follow policy rather than what is best for the company. Sometimes companies focus on metrics rather than end results.

    • Melb69 on 30/08/2019 - 07:56

      @smatters 14 building

  • whooah1979 on 30/08/2019 - 07:32

    Is your bonus linked to project results? Higher profit = bigger bonus?

    • Melb69 on 30/08/2019 - 07:53

      @whooah1979 A pay rise. And keeping your job. Although I don't believe they can sack you for non performing. They can push you out by putting extra stress on you. To make you work longer to get the work done.

      • whooah1979 on 30/08/2019 - 08:32

        So this person's laziness stands in way of you and a pay rise and job security?

        • Melb69 on 30/08/2019 - 08:46

          @whooah 1979 No I have my own performance issues. The issue is similar. The performance thing is used as a gauge for pay rise. Which is fair enough. But for me it's worse as fees low, and my pay rate higher, but my time is taking longer or equivalent. So when they compare me to another it isn't as good. Personally it's better if my colleague doesn't perform well. For my sake.

  • apsilon on 30/08/2019 - 07:56
    +1

    If the blokes performance isn't up to scratch why isn't his manager handling it? HR shouldn't be involved until disciplinary action is required as he hasn't responded to his managers instructions. You say your senior staff but senior in what way? You've been their longer so think you're senior or you're directly in this blokes reporting hierarchy above him? If you're not officially senior to him it's really not your place and you may not have the full story and if you really senior try speaking to him. You say he's generally been good so why is he suddenly off, he could have something going on that's caused him a temporary set back and will get through it.

    • Melb69 on 30/08/2019 - 08:09

      @apsilon Exacty. Manager isn't doing his job. I just have more experience. Colleague is junior. Hr guy also the one that looks at the hours.

    • spal on 30/08/2019 - 08:16

      In addition to the above, just want to say that the person may be going through some personal issues. He may have shared this with his manager, who may have cut him some lack. Hence spending time away. Or that he he working on something additional which is in the pipeline but not yet at the billing stage. Also, managers may have better training than yourself in dealing with the situation. Although, as a senior colleague you may show some support and empathy which may help the person regain their focus.

      • Melb69 on 30/08/2019 - 08:26
        +1

        @spal I don't believe there is extra slack from manager as private jobs are frowned apon. Although another staff member clearly has something worked out with company to do their own work, but he's been there for ages and is buddies with manager. It's contradictory in my opinion. Is what I am saying. It's just a reason to neg you so you can't go for a pay rise etc. Anyway I will just keep my own performance up as best I can. I will help him if he needs it and have helped him a lot with questions.

        • apsilon on 30/08/2019 - 09:20

          It may not be private job, it could be something personal, eg he could've had a relative pass away or could've had a health issue diagnosed or any number of things you wouldn't be privy to. Leave it to his manager IMO.

          • HighAndDry on 30/08/2019 - 12:25

            @apsilon: OP knows that the other worker used the time to work on a private job - why are you doubting OP on this point all of a sudden?

            • apsilon on 30/08/2019 - 13:04

              @HighAndDry: Where does he say this? He says in one post he knows he took a sickie to do his own work but I assume this was just one day on a separate occasion. All he says in the original post is "However on a project he was less that focused on the task and did spend a lot of time away from his text." which sounds like he was there but not as productive as usual. OP doesn't know why or any details, he's just making assumptions.

              • HighAndDry on 30/08/2019 - 13:21

                @apsilon: You said "hence spending some time away", when OP says that he took a sickie to work on a side job.

  • Melb69 on 30/08/2019 - 08:13

    He has a lot of extra personal things he does. He took a sickie to do his own work recently for exanple

    • HighAndDry on 30/08/2019 - 09:15
      -4

      Yeah I'd consider subtly bringing this to HR's attention. A sickie means everyone else has to cover for him.

      • lewislardboy on 30/08/2019 - 09:55
        +2

        Sick/personal days are an entitlement. He shouldn't need to justify why he has taken one to close out a personal issue that may be causing him stress. Proactive mental-health mitigation is a great use of this entitlement, in my opinion.

        You've also said he finishes his work way quicker than you. This to me is the kind of employee I'd want. If they can do 100% of your work load in 60% of the time — then they aren't the issue; you are. A good manager should look to stretch them, whilst also rewarding them with the freedoms and flexibilty that comes with being efficient.

        • HighAndDry on 30/08/2019 - 09:59
          -3

          Sick/personal days are an entitlement. He shouldn't need to justify why he has taken one to close out a personal issue that may be causing him stress.

          Literal entitlement mentality. Sick/personal days are there so you're not forced to come into work when you're sick. It's like you didn't read the comment I replied to, which said:

          He took a sickie to do his own work recently

          What, lack of additional other income was causing him stress so he can take a sick day to work a second job?

          • lewislardboy on 30/08/2019 - 15:02
            +1

            @HighAndDry: I took a sick day the other day to play PS4. Just because I couldn't be fkd.

            I messaged my boss and said "not feeling it today". I encourage my direct reports to do the same when they so choose. Coming to work when you have no desire to perform doesn't help anyone.

            These are entitlements as per my employment contract.

            'Entitlement mentality' means mistaking privileges for entitlements. In this case I'm mistaking entitlements for entitlements. You're now that guy that uses 'literally' illiterately.

            • HighAndDry on 30/08/2019 - 15:12
              +3

              @lewislardboy:

              I took a sick day the other day to play PS4. Just because I couldn't be fkd.

              "sick" does not mean "couldn't be fkd".

              You're entitled to take days off when you're sick. I'm using "literally" literally.

              Coming to work when you have no desire to perform doesn't help anyone.

              Exercise something called self-discipline.

              • lewislardboy on 30/08/2019 - 15:22
                +2

                @HighAndDry: Lack of motivation and malaise are key indicators of potential mental health issues and burnout. It sounds like your definition of 'sick' are a little archaic.

                The day I take lessons about 'self discipline' from someone who spends what I can only assume is an employer's time making 13k+ comments on an online forum will a bizarre day indeed.

                • HighAndDry on 30/08/2019 - 15:24
                  +1

                  @lewislardboy:

                  Lack of motivation and malaise are key indicators of potential mental health issues and burnout.

                  They're also just indicators of lack of motivation and laziness.

                  No one's trying to teach you any lessons, chill, person who takes workdays off to play PS4.

                  • lewislardboy on 30/08/2019 - 15:36
                    -1

                    @HighAndDry: No — if it was a work day, I'd be at work. I take sick days to play PS4.

                    I've seen enough of your comments over the years to know you type well and are reasonably well informed. Don't make the mistake of thinking everyone here is below you; maybe — just maybe — there are some successful people out there that have succeeded without following the same path in life as you.

                    It's cute to think you could deviate my mood anywhere other than being 'chill'.

                    • HighAndDry on 30/08/2019 - 15:39
                      +1

                      @lewislardboy: I don't think people are below me, I think some people, in some cases, are just wrong.

                      A workday doesn't stop being a workday just because you took it off to game.

                      People who're successful while following unorthodox paths exist, but it's mostly survivorship bias. You start giving that as general advice and most people will end up homeless and destitute.

                      Also, mood is not a place. I couldn't deviate anyone's mood anywhere.

                      Taking a day off to game might work for you - for 90% of people it'd lead to them being sacked.

                      • lewislardboy on 30/08/2019 - 16:01
                        -1

                        @HighAndDry: If I can allow you not knowing how to use 'literal', I'm sure you can let slide the dubious figurative use of 'mood' as a destination.

                        I joke.

                        OP needs to focus on doing their job. If her colleague's actions are impacting her ability to work, she needs to speak with her line manager, and that is the end of it.

                        • Melb69 on 30/08/2019 - 21:31
                          +1

                          @lewislardboy: Always love the banter in here except when it gets a bit too heated. Head down bump up. As for the last few posts. I personally don't think its appropriate to take a sickie to do your own work or play ps4 because you don't feel like coming to work. To say that oh it's another generation thing is not a good excuse. It's a sign of not being committed to your real job. Why be there if you couldn't be ftf. I do believe if they found you gaming that you would get a warning if not sacked.

                          • [Deactivated] on 31/08/2019 - 10:16

                            @Melb69: If you're committed you should be committed.

                          • Bad Company on 10/09/2019 - 13:11

                            @Melb69: Agreed.

                            Basically what we're saying is, sick of work is not a real sickness.

                            It's also not "proactive mental-health mitigation". Just excuses.

  • o53djz7qTPY4der on 30/08/2019 - 08:29
    +1

    No one likes a dib-a-dob.

    Perhaps a more constructive way would be offering to give them some support. Note, I don't mean do their work for them but as you are more senior than this junior you could provide support our professional development.

    This would be looked upon more favorably than telling on them.

    • Melb69 on 30/08/2019 - 08:36

      @Xiongmao I don't want to dob him in, but I am concerned HR will question me about him. How's so and so on the job? Has he been concentrating on his work?It's clear he wasn't at his desk working consistently. I will just say I believe he has been doing his work. I was doing my own work

      • Westuff on 03/09/2019 - 11:35

        Its not appropriate for HR to be asking you about another persons work performance.
        If you offer an opinion it could land you in hot water, especially of it leads to that person being sacked.

  • bobbified on 30/08/2019 - 08:36

    The HR guy has been monitoring a few staff. Well he has to justify his job. About hours on projects and flagging us if its over the allocated time.

    The Project Manager should be doing this. How does the HR guy even know there isn't a valid reason for resources going over their original allocated hours? (It happens on almost every project and it's budgeted for). The PM should be the one balancing the books.

    HR sounds like additional red tape that the PM has to spend time entertaining.

    • Melb69 on 30/08/2019 - 08:40

      @bobbified Agree. There are more ppl. in this office not in the ground work. Fees are low, but output still expected to be the same. I have been essentially been told to cut corners. Caveat. But still fix stuff to make it work though. Which takes time. Fine line.

  • Zedsdeadbabyzedsdead on 30/08/2019 - 08:37
    +5

    1/ HR are a complete waste of time
    2/ HR are a complete waste of time
    3/ HR are a complete waste of time

    Repeat this mantra thrice daily….

    • [Deactivated] on 31/08/2019 - 10:10
      +3

      HR are sociopaths

  • Melb69 on 30/08/2019 - 08:42

    @zedsdeadbabyzedsdead hah. Agree. Someone needs to be the bad guy. Waste of space as well. I don't actually knows what he does do all day
    Although I do know he's been on Facebook to fill his time.

    • Melb69 on 30/08/2019 - 21:17

      Here I am talking about HR not my work colleague.

  • Cheeper on 30/08/2019 - 09:45
    +1

    You are only senior to him, you have no responsibility for how he performs. His supervisor / manager should be monitoring and speaking with him re his performance, not you.
    Do your job the best you can and don't stab your mate in the back. That is how things used to work, fairly sure that still exists.

    • stratbargain on 30/08/2019 - 11:27

      You also said he is a good worker and works on projects quicker than you and you want to 'dob' on him after being a bit slow on one project.

      Bl**dy hell. Your workplace sounds like a treat.

      • Melb69 on 30/08/2019 - 21:16

        No I don't aant to dob on him. I just don't want t be asked about his work flow. i will just say I am unaware of any issues and believe he is working hard on whatever he has been doing from past experience on whe I have seen,

        • Westuff on 03/09/2019 - 11:45

          It is legitimate to say you concentrate on your own work, not on monitoring others.

  • try2bhelpful on 30/08/2019 - 10:39

    HR people should not be talking directly to people about one project, that should be something the manager is sorting out. HR does have its place, but this isn't it. Personally, I would be keeping way out of this and just say, from your perspective, this guy has a record of delivering most of this projects to a good level. I'm sure you wouldn't be happy if the guy said that he felt he was much faster at most of his projects than you are. If HR are sniffing around I would make sure your manager is well aware this is happening. Project Reviews are important, on a number of levels, but the amount of time spent is only one aspect.

    I think you are blowing this out of proportion, the only person who should be interacting with this person, and HR, is their manager. If HR start asking you questions you should be refering them back to your manager.

  • serpserpserp on 30/08/2019 - 12:29
    +5

    Seriously. Keep your mouth shut. Nothing good can come from this for you by dobbing in your work colleague. There could be very good reasons why he is away from his desk and if HR is already talking to him, no need for your to add your 2c worth.

    • Melb69 on 30/08/2019 - 21:11

      Won't be saying anything and will deflect a response if asked.

  • Jcww on 31/08/2019 - 09:49
    +1

    Snitches get stitches

  • [Deactivated] on 31/08/2019 - 10:07

    Don't rat out the humans to the sociopaths. The fact that you're even considering it means the system has messed you up good. You're one act away from joining them.

    • Melb69 on 31/08/2019 - 10:14

      Not considering rating on him. Just thoughts on how to handle it if asked. Which I believe is to just play dumb.

  • Brendoo on 31/08/2019 - 14:10
    +1

    What on earth is a HR person doing worrying about people's work effort, budget etc. on a project? That's nothing to do with HR, that's a Project Manager's job and/or the direct manager of the person in question if the project manager thinks someone isn't pulling their weight on a project.

    Now if that person's manager has made a direct complaint to HR about him and HR are investigating then that's a different story, but it seems that isn't the case.

    And no, you should not say anything to HR unless you have been pulled into a meeting room along with your manager to be formally asked questions. HR should never ask you directly how one of your peers is performing, they would ask that person's boss.

  • HeWhoKnows on 01/09/2019 - 20:12

    OP Dont say anything until you are asked.

    As OP said the co-worker is usually very good.
    There may be issues in his life affecting his performance.

    Somebody needs to discuss with him without threatening his job.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join