What should a Professional do if a supervisor changes their schedule suddenly and unexpectedly?

Anonymous

May 2,2022 at 12:30AM UTC

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What should a Professional do if a supervisor changes their schedule suddenly and unexpectedly? I started a new job and made it exactly one month on the job. The supervisor tells me that my schedule will change because some team department needs extra help. They said “we need the help now” and immediately changes my schedule quickly on short-notice. Wasn’t allowed to start the new schedule the following week without giving a reason. I just not content with it all. What does this says about the supervisor? If this occurs again or reoccurring, what should someone do?

Also, what should a professional do if you are being asked to give a reason for overtime? Especially when the company and supervisor assigns training and you must arrive early to do the training and/or arrive to work early and just begin working? Is this a form of micromanagement?

I cannot give you the industry I work for due to fear of retaliation from employer.

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AnonymousMay 2,2022 at 2:30PM UTC
I know last-minute scheduling is common in some industries, but I can't imagine doing that to anyone and I'm sorry you were put in that position. Emergencies happen, groups are suddenly short-staffed and sometimes other team members need to help out. If you are unable to meet the new schedule, or at least to do so with insufficient notice (e.g. making new childcare arrangements or working around a second job), I would be clear and specific. "I have a second job with hours of x-y. It will take a week to adjust those hours. I can start the new schedule on DATE." If this is now a requirement of the job and you can't/won't meet the new requirements, you probably need to look for a new job. It's not fair for them to change it up, but it happens and unless you have a contract that doesn't allow them to change things, there's probably not much you can do about it. As far as overtime, go to your direct supervisor. Tell them you don't mind taking on the new duties, but you need clear priorities because you only have the same amount of time in a day. If you're willing to work overtime, be clear about how much overtime you're able to accommodate and ask them to be clear which tasks they need completed on overtime and which tasks can be finished only if you have time in your regular schedule. It's on the supervisor to justify the overtime, not the employee. Regardless of how you proceed, best of luck!
AnonymousMay 3,2022 at 2:13PM UTC
I'm sorry to hear this! I would set boundaries early, as the other commenter mentioned, and protect them at all costs.
AnonymousJune 1,2022 at 3:09PM UTC
I am not sure it would solve the problem, but I would take a look at company policies around work hours, scheduling, and overtime. If what your supervisor is asking is not consistent with your company policies you at least have a case to make to push back.
I don't fully understand your question about overtime. Do you mean you have to give a reason for needing to work extra hours? Pre-approval for overtime is not unusual for both budget and labor law reasons. Have you given those reasons that have not been approved?
AnonymousJune 1,2022 at 3:16PM UTC
If training is required by the company, it must be paid. If training is suggested or optional, no pay. HR may be a good resource for reminder to management without attaching your name to issue.
As far as quick schedule changes, if ongoing and problematic, the position may not be a good fit.