same workload but less time

[Susan123456]

My boss has asked that I perform the same tasks in an hour's less time than I have been.  I told her that I would not be able to get all those tasks completed. She wants me to keep a log. I can keep a log. I do know that there is no way that I can complete three hours worth of tasks in two hours. I worry that I am going to get daily harassments about my inability to keep up the work.  I plan to contact my Union but I worry that they are going to say, there is nothing we can do.  On a good note, there is a hiring freeze so it is not in their interest to fire me. At the same token, being the sensitive person I am, I am going to find daily harassments too big a pill to swallow.

The reason for this change is that she wants us to help out another department who has lost their staff.

I would appreciate any support or ideas to cope with this situation at work.

If ask her to prioritize she will say everything needs to get done.
Thank you,


Susan

[peaches2160]

I would simply do what has been asked and log it.  If you find you can't accomplish it all in the time given, note that.  This may be bosses way of justifying a headcount increase due to the required tasks, or streamlining and justifying the need to improve processes.  If you can be positive and introduce possible solutions and streamline, this will be a plus for you.  Just be positive, stay focused, and do what you can do in the time allowed.  Look for short cuts that will allow streamlining.  On the other hand, take a good look at what the process is and determine if it is really needed or is there something else that is of more importance to be done instead.

[JessW]

Susan

Remember a couple of things while you battle your way through the mountain of "urgents" - you are only human,  There is only the one of you, you have one pair of hands, you are paid a set amount for a set number of hours in the day, there are only so many working days per week, if they choose to say it is all urgent, then they are the ones who must carry the blame if other items do not get done.

Do not get wrapped up in their problems  - they are, after all, their problems and you can only do your best.

Keep your chin up, and big cyber hugs from over here (a cyber hug never goes to waste when you need to know there are people around who understand the problem)!

Your boss(es) clearly have failed to prepare, and so therefore are prepared to fail too!

Jess (up to my eyeballs in bills/documents/mediation bundles/etc and only 6.5days left till I go off for 14 days well-earned rest! 

[Katie G]

If ask her to prioritize she will say everything needs to get done.

Ok this is a big fat red flag to me.  Always has been.  Always will be. 

Simply put, "Everything needs to get done"  is NOT the answer to a question regarding priorities. 

In a previous post about a similar topic, I suggested what I did with my boss at the time.  I suggest the priorities.  As in, "OK Boss.  I'll start by calling about A, then move on to finishing the spreadsheet for B, and then work on the mailing for C."

You boss may realize then that the spreadsheet for B is more important than the call about A and will (hopefully) then tell you so.  But by forcing a priority, that at least gives your boss a framework in which to operate, instead of panicking that "it all needs to get done."

[Jackie G]

Agree with all above.

Also remember that keeping a log adds time to everything too, so remember to log the log!

[gee4]

Can I ask what the log is going to do or prove?  My bet is, it will go unnoticed or fall on deaf ears.

Cutbacks are rife.  I see it here too.  Reduce staff but then do double the workload or find another resource to cover when you take leave.

To assess the workload amongst secretarial staff, we all carried out an exercise last year completing an template, or log, of the tasks we do and how log it takes.  It was difficult bearing in mind we don't always count the 15 mins we spend unjamming the printer, or the 30 mins to fix someone's word doc.

Seven months later, no one has come back to us with any feedback or whether the exercise is still ongoing.  You can log what you like but unless the data or information is going to be taken into account, it's pointless.

It is not possible to carry out the same workload in less time.  I wouldn't push yourself to do this, because someone somewhere is going to think you are superwoman, if you do.  The more you do, the more you will be given to do, whereas if you don't get through the workload, someone will realise there is a problem.

[Susan123456]

Thank you all for your comments and support. This web site is a blessing!

I am keeping a log. My coworker is also keeping a log. Now I don't believe she has to deal with the phones and people coming to the front desk window. I can predict that my boss will compare with what I have done to my coworker.


 

[JessW]

Susan

Any developments yet?

Jess (tanned and relaxed prior to restarting the chenanigans at work on Wednesday )