Work Ethic

[Andit]

When I was working, it never dawned on me to ask to be paid for the time I spent on my commute (that would have been an extra 3+ hrs of pay each day)..

My friend had an employee come to her yesterday, asking for just that (works 8:30 - 4:30, but wants to get paid 8-5). My friend is a very laid-back boss, lets this employee have extended lunches to run personal errands (as long as the work is done & there is nothing pressing to be done, the employee has lots of "free" time).

My friend is disabled, so there are a few extra things that are expected of this employee, which is why she's willing to be so flexible (a previous employee balked at having to carry a binder of notes into a meeting ).

Personally, I find this request ridiculous. Years ago, I had 3 jobs & spent nearly 4 hrs each day commuting from job to job - who would've been responsible for paying me the extra then?

So, my question to ya'll is, where has work ethic gone to? I see it at various places - surly waitstaff, cashiers who really can't be bothered, even at my hangout where I remember one particular individual (half my age, perfectly healthy & much stronger than decripit ol' me) did the bare minimum & expected me to pick up her slack. Sigh.

Maybe I'm just old-fashioned. I hate to think I've turned into one of those "I walked 3 hrs to work each way, uphill, in snowshoes, through sticky tar, in the hot August sun".

[Natalka]

Well, that request for commuting pay is uncalled for!

I hear complaints about lack of work ethic amongst staff of various stores and businesses, but am lucky to have not encountered it often as a consumer.
Of course, during all my working years, I've run into several people like you describe, but they were totally in the minority. Maybe it was because of the types of employment I've had, I don't know...

Sometimes it totally depends upon the employment situation in a city - if jobs are tight, employees tend to be a lot better in all respects.

For some, it's the 'culture of entitlement', which is sad. But I sure won't tar the older teens/younger 20-somethings with the same brush.
My son sure isn't like that, he's an extremely conscientious employee, and we're very proud of him for that. He started working part-time at 14, so maybe that instilled things in him young! He's now 19 and has been working full-time for the same company for two years, and is going to tech school this fall. However, I know from how he talks of some of his acquaintances, not all of them are 'good' employees - some try to take advantage of employers, waste time, etc. - and I know he's even talked to a few of them about it. It is good, though, that there are others who are wonderful!

[VeeVee]

I would have told the employee - look for work closer to home then...sheesh! When you accept a job you very well know where its located and how long it will take you to get there and back...just ridiculous IMO

[DiamondLil]

I think your friends employee is pushing it. Yes, she does some extra duties for your friend, but as you stated, the employee is allowed to have a longer lunch break to run personal errands. If your friend agrees to this, she is setting a dangerous precedent, and who knows, maybe the next employee will have a longer commute - will your friend agree to pay upwards of 3 hours per day commuting time? She should flat out say no. No employer I know of pays for commuting time - thats the price you pay to work and earn a living.

[GoddessDigi]

Wow, DH would be making lots more, then.
Before we moved, it was about 2 1/2 hours total. 2 hours bus ride to get there, and then his dad would pick him up since the buses didn't run that late.
Now it's about an 2 1/2 hours total, but that's all on the bus (hour and half each way).
I think the younger people are more lax about a job when they don't NEED it. DH and I are younger (I'm 21, he'll be 21 next week) but we have DD and 1 on the way, so he NEEDS to keep his job.

[Sally888]

Thats why your spose to move closer to work!

Some companies pay for your mileage, but if it isn't something in place I wouldn't push that button.

These days people want everything and so much more for the same amount of work and effort. It's silly.

[vibrantflame]

I mean, I guess it depends on circumstances and such but yeah I would think she should say no to that request, unless there is a compromise possible (for example, employee does not get time for personal errands in exchange for paid commute).

I mean, if her employee is being well paid, then there is no need for such a request. And if not, I am sure her employee could find employment closer to home that will pay as much or more.

[vibrantflame]

So, my question to ya'll is, where has work ethic gone to? I see it at various places - surly waitstaff, cashiers who really can't be bothered, even at my hangout where I remember one particular individual (half my age, perfectly healthy & much stronger than decripit ol' me) did the bare minimum & expected me to pick up her slack. Sigh.

Maybe I'm just old-fashioned. I hate to think I've turned into one of those "I walked 3 hrs to work each way, uphill, in snowshoes, through sticky tar, in the hot August sun".

Where has work ethic gone? Out the window. I was always taught that you work hard and do your job, whether it is a good paying job or it's just minimum wage at McDonald's. And if you're stuck at a job that doesn't pay well enough, you tough it out until you can find something better. If you're working too far away from home and you can't afford it, you get a job closer.

Another thing that bothers me now a days is that people seem to feel that some jobs are "beneath" them. My husband was working for a computer store, 45 minute commute, minimum wage job with no benefits. Supposed to be able to earn commission, but the boss had it set up in such a way that earning extra was practically impossible, especially since my husband was being made to do work that was not in his job description and was not eligible for commission. Husband wanted to quit and go work at Tim Horton's because it is across the street from us, he'd get the same pay, would save on gas and wear and tear on our van, AND would get benefits. But his Dad thought he was stupid for wanting to do this because "why would you want to go work at Tim Horton's when you're a computer salesman??" You know, he just thought that working at such a place was beneath my husband somehow....it's like who cares what the job title is as long as it pays the bills people!

Ah okay sorry I am done my rant now lol

[anisa]

that's just silliness.

it bothers me when ppl are slacking off at work. there is ALWAYS something to be done,

[matrix82]

Wow really. Just wow. It's not the employer's role to pay for you to get to work. Unless it was running errands in your vehicle for work, then no, it's not the employer's responsibility.

The job I will be starting is going to require me to travel quite a bit, I get mileage, which I think is appropriate, for all travel from the office outside of getting to and from home. Although I do wish the rate of mileage was higher.

[Saving $$$]

I wish!

My last job I used to commute 3hrs round trip every day, and my empolyeer made it very clear that my hours were 9-5. If I had to leave at 5am to make it in for 9 then so be it, but they would not pay me before or after my alloted scheduled time.

Does this person's job permit them so that they can work from home 1-2days a week?

[lilo0003]

Wow, that is rich. My employer needed me to manage two sites & as a result it has added to my commute for two days a week. I went from 50 minutes round trip to 2 hrs round trip. I was rewarded with a blackberry. Most days I would say I enjoy the two hr commute more as it on the GO train.
I have lots of staff that have brutal commutes & I still expect them to work their 40 hrs a week, but am always open to looking at options such as longer days for less days in the office or work from home if possible, but I would never consider the commuting time as part of the work day.

[blueeyetea]

Another thing that bothers me now a days is that people seem to feel that some jobs are "beneath" them.

Don't even get me started! We have a suggestion eBox where I work, and recently someone posted, anonymously of course, that "because he didn't always feel like coming in to work in the morning, it should be standard policy that employees can work work from home and he felt it was adverse to his satisfaction as an employee that he should have to ask for permission"...

I mean, come on! My reaction was that considering showing up for work is part of earning a paycheck, it should be a priority!

Personally, I think it's a generational thing. I see it where I work. They whine about things I wouldn't even think about. At the same time, the powers that be want to hold on to these prima donna, so they often give, to the detriment of older worker.

[kanewtz]

I don't get paid to drive to work...but as soon as I have to drive anywhere outside the building for work, I get paid time + milaage. I would sure hope that is the case otherwise I would expect a car rental.

Sometimes I don't even drive to the office and go straight from home to site (which I get paid time + milage from my house).

I guess it depends where you work.

[croman7]

it depends what you do... If your work involves driving around all day from job to job, then you should get paid for that inbetween driving (like a landscaper that has to go to many places. you'll get paid for the full 8 hour day, even if part of it is spent driving from Job A to Job B), but you start and finish at a place, and the time you drive BEFORE reporting to the jobsite, and AFTER your day...that's your problem! I suppose it depends on the company, but that's a pretty sneaky trick to try. I hope they say no to her. (although, if someone said i could get paid to drive to work i surely wouldnt complain! :p hahaha) Guess some people will always push the envelope and try to get away with more!