No support working from home?

Question

My position in bank operations is one in which the organization is years behind. Our technology is lacking and we are severely understaffed (“fewer, better” is our organization’s motto) —even  pre-COVID-19. No one in our department is working from home except me (3 school age children, single Mom). Two days in, I have negative feedback and unrealistic expectations from management. The job is impossible to do from home. I can only do my work 8am-5pm due to the Federal Reserve.  Has anyone gotten so discouraged that they have taken PTO in recent weeks? My alternative is to have my elderly mom watch my children. This worries me dearly.

Jackie Ghedine · Answer

I'm sorry you have to deal with this, especially now.

Unrealistic expectations will lead you to burnout and stress, two things you cannot afford right now.

Taking PTO's is more common than you thing (even doctors are doing so). This is unprecedented times and you need to do what you can to stay healthy.

Also, if their expectations are unrealistic, separate their feedback with the truth as best you can. Keep track of all your accomplishments (for yourself) and look at them at the end of every day, with pride and confidence.  Don't let their unrealistic expectations diminish your self-worth.

The motto, 'fewer, better' shouldn't mean, pile on the work of two people onto one person to save the organization money but destroy our greatest asset, the talent.

It will take time to transition to a new job so finding ways to cope today will be important for your mental and physical health.

Anonymous · Answer

Both men and women have been taking PTO. Look for another job if you can. The job market is still strong, especially as certain industries made stronger temporarily by this crisis. I'm sure your skills are translatable to other industries, most are.

GirlBossanova877981 · Answer

They just passed a bill that amended FMLA.  It provides for paid leave to employees that can't work due to child care or school closings. It's 10 weeks paid after the 2 weeks waiting. BTW they also passes emergency sick leave of 2 weeks that can bridge the gap the waiting period. Check here: https://ogletree.com/insights/the-families-first-coronavirus-response-act-faqs-the-fmla-amendments-and-paid-sick-leave-requirements-of-the-new-law/

Anonymous · Answer

Those of you offering advice that’s generally helpful—get your resume ready, look for other opportunities—she has an immediate need for relief. It takes on average 6 months to interview and land a new job. Please be thoughtful in how you present advice that is well-intentioned, but doesn’t answer the question at hand. (That said, I agree that you might begin looking if your office won’t work with you.)

To the poster, your situation sounds very challenging. I’d suggest trying to talk to your manager first, then HR for options available to you. Let them know about your situation and home, that you’re committed to your job and providing high quality work, but that you can do either of those things while your children are home with you. If they’re a halfway decent org, they’ll work with you. You might also need to consider asking your mother for help. It’s not ideal, but these are desperate times. Good luck!

Anonymous · Answer

‘Anonymous‘ is definitely right! I’d say update your resume, line up references and put yourself out there. Also create a list of of must haves and deal-breakers - be ready to advocate for yourself and your family.  Best of luck!

MJP · Answer

I recommend that you document what you're experiencing in as much detail as possible. For example:

- What tasks/projects are you expected to do?  
   - Of those, which can be easily completed remotely? 
   - Which are more more challenging, but can still be done? 
   - Which are not possible? Why?
- Are there any instances in which you can complete the task, but the process to do so significantly changes? Any where the quality isn't as high as when done in person? 
- If/when you have a challenge, what are the resources (access to training materials, guides, other people who usually help, etc.) you can access remotely?
- (and lots of other similar questions to explore)

Document, document, document! For one, it covers your bum in the event that you continue to be held to unrealistic expectations. Being able to show how it wasn't possible to complete a given task in detail / documentation goes a lot further than just saying it couldn't be done.

Also, this may actually help your company better prepare for whatever's coming next. They are actually lucky to have you as a 'test pilot' to see what can actually be done remotely. With so much changing by day, who knows if at some point more people there (everyone?) may be forced to worked remotely if someone there contracts COVID and/or government regulations change. Better to prepared to have work still getting done during that time than to risk having to completely shut down because no one can actually do their work from home.

You are pressure testing their systems, and finding issues. Document and share them. If they are being dismissive of your feedback / unrealistic about expectations now, they are setting themselves up for potential failure if forced to send everyone home tomorrow. Framing your experience as 'here's how we could better prepare for a worst-case scenario in which more people need to be remote' may help them be more open to your feedback.

And even if they don't, at least you're covering your bum.

EMILY KIKUE FRANK · Answer

We're all doing a lot of grieving these days, and being one of the few folks whose physical presence is required at work compounds matters.  I agree with the suggestion to document everything, and also suggest you reach out to a mental health counselor to help you through this unfair emotional burden you've been given.

Anne Knox · Answer

Take care of your family. They will be there when the job will not. Take advantage of new law that lets you take off to take care of kids while school is closed for corona

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