NewbieJr 540 Posted May 3, 2017 I am the manager of a small (5 employees) group of people. They are spread out over three locations in the state of Pennsylvania. We have a corporate calendar that shows when anyone in our department is scheduled off. Because we are a small group, I encourage employees not to request off if someone else is already off. It spreads the rest of the department really thin. Anyway, back in March, this one woman (60 years old, chubby, and bitchy) sent me a leave request form for the Friday before Memorial Day, the Monday before July 4th (the 3rd), and the Friday before Labor Day. In other words, at the end of winter, she requested to take all three summer holidays and extend them into 4 day weekends. And essentially screwed everyone else from even getting one extended weekend. I didn't approve them at the time and put it on the back burner. She just emailed me again asking if the days are approved. So my question is, if you were the manager, would you simply say 'first come, first serve' and let her have all three days? My thought is to approve the first two but tell her that it's only fair to wait a month or two to see if anyone else would like the September 1st date off. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
posty 2,296 Posted May 3, 2017 I think that since she followed the correct process and submitted the days, she should get all of them... There are people where I work that put in for the last two weeks of the year off in February... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Patriotsfatboy1 1,432 Posted May 3, 2017 I would first outline a process that is fair. I would typically not give them the opportunity to book individual days like that so far in advance, but you do have to allow them to book whole weeks in advance because of advanced bookings for things like cruises and far away vacations. Make sure that you have a process by which you can deal with conflicts (rotating priorities, etc.) to take the subjectivity out of it because some people could claim unfair labor practices. I would suggest that you check with your Corporate folks to make sure that there is not already a company-wide process that you should follow. Then you can talk to your individual staff and see if they have any conflicts with the dates requested by Captain Chubby. If they don't care, then she can have them. If there is a conflict, then you have a problem whereby you should probably spread out the love. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TimmySmith 2,782 Posted May 3, 2017 You need a better policy. In the meantime she should get the days. The reality is that if someone else wanted one of them, you could probably swing it because Fridays before holidays are generally slow business days. Give them to her, the others will understand why you did it and hate her for it, not you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NewbieJr 540 Posted May 3, 2017 Sure you are Meh. If I was going to lie, it would be hundreds of people under me, not four. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dain11279 928 Posted May 3, 2017 First come, first serve. If you don't get your own request in on time, tough sh1t IMO. That's how it works in my department anyway. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
edjr 5,569 Posted May 3, 2017 First come, first serve. If you don't get your own request in on time, tough sh1t IMO. That's how it works in my department anyway. we have 2 people in IT. I've been boned several times because 1 of us has to be here at all times. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Patriotsfatboy1 1,432 Posted May 3, 2017 we have 2 people in IT. I've been boned several times because 1 of us has to be here at all times. I assume that you mean "boned" to mean in a "not-so-good" way. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NewbieJr 540 Posted May 3, 2017 You need a better policy. In the meantime she should get the days. The reality is that if someone else wanted one of them, you could probably swing it because Fridays before holidays are generally slow business days. Give them to her, the others will understand why you did it and hate her for it, not you. Since there is no actual policy, I'm inclined to agree and will probably approve them. although I'm afraid it will turn into someone quickly requesting the same days off next year. And become a race to screw everyone else. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
patweisers44 697 Posted May 3, 2017 This is a crappy move by the broad, no doubt. Not sure what the solution is for 2017. But try to put something in place for 2018 so this crap doesn't happen again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TimmySmith 2,782 Posted May 3, 2017 Since there is no actual policy, I'm inclined to agree and will probably approve them. although I'm afraid it will turn into someone quickly requesting the same days off next year. And become a race to screw everyone else. If it's all up to you, then give her the first one and say you haven't reviewed requests for later in the year. Then remind everyone they need to get their requests in ASAP. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Herbivore 906 Posted May 3, 2017 Since there is no actual policy, I'm inclined to agree and will probably approve them. although I'm afraid it will turn into someone quickly requesting the same days off next year. And become a race to screw everyone else. sorry, but you sound like a terrible manager. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
edjr 5,569 Posted May 3, 2017 I assume that you mean "boned" to mean in a "not-so-good" way. yes Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Djgb13 2,338 Posted May 3, 2017 Since there is no actual policy, I'm inclined to agree and will probably approve them. although I'm afraid it will turn into someone quickly requesting the same days off next year. And become a race to screw everyone else. That's how it was in the military. First come first serve. I didn't get a Christmas off for 4 years cause I was always not on shift when the schedule came out and we could put in time for leave. So let her have it Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NewbieJr 540 Posted May 3, 2017 sorry, but you sound like a terrible manager. Thankfully, the guy who signs my paycheck disagrees. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DankNuggs 305 Posted May 3, 2017 Maybe have a inital round of requests. give everyone a week or two to figure it out and put them in. Decide equitably based on those requests. after that it is first come first serve. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Herbivore 906 Posted May 3, 2017 Thankfully, the guy who signs my paycheck disagrees. he's probably bad at his job too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
drobeski 3,061 Posted May 3, 2017 Team leader and social function coordinator do not = manager. Let the real management handle it and let them know the team building experiment isn't working. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NewbieJr 540 Posted May 3, 2017 Team leader and social function coordinator do not = manager. Let the real management handle it and let them know the team building experiment isn't working. I am the real management, wire-puller. I approve or deny vacation requests. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
frank 2,147 Posted May 3, 2017 Have a draft. Serpentine or auction. Get a draft board. Have it at Hooters or a company trip to Vegas. Everyone has to draft at least one Wednesday. Trades approved by vote. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
drobeski 3,061 Posted May 3, 2017 I am the real management, wire-puller. I approve or deny vacation requests.stop it, you pick out the napkins and call the caterer for the company picnic. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hardcore troubadour 12,664 Posted May 3, 2017 I am the real management, wire-puller. I approve or deny vacation requests. Well, you don't do it very well. A failure to plan is a plan to fail. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NewbieJr 540 Posted May 3, 2017 Well, you don't do it very well. A failure to plan is a plan to fail. What's your plan today? Change diapers? Wipe the chunks of spit-up that end up on your Dukes of Hazzard t-shirt? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cyclone24 1,814 Posted May 3, 2017 Team leader and social function coordinator do not = manager. Let the real management handle it and let them know the team building experiment isn't working. Haha..such a fantastic priick. Hah I always did 6 months out for booking. So January to June was open then I would announce to everyone July through December is open. With only five employees it's not that much work. I was doing that for over a hundred. It sucked balls. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
parrot 789 Posted May 3, 2017 this one woman (60 years old, chubby, and bitchy) We're still going to need can size here. You know the rules. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NewbieJr 540 Posted May 3, 2017 We're still going to need can size here. You know the rules. Probably about a 40 C Think Danny DeVito with t1ts Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cdub100 3,384 Posted May 3, 2017 If there is no policy in place you can't tell your people how to use their vacation days. Is there a policy that says x people on the team need to be available to work? If not all those people could ask for the day off and there's not much you could or should do about it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hardcore troubadour 12,664 Posted May 3, 2017 What's your plan today? Change diapers? Wipe the chunks of spit-up that end up on your Dukes of Hazzard t-shirt? Definetly changing a diaper at some point. Doing some spring clean up. Going to the dump. Almost pool and deck season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
parrot 789 Posted May 3, 2017 Probably about a 40 C Think Danny DeVito with t1ts I work with her sister. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NewbieJr 540 Posted May 3, 2017 If there is no policy in place you can't tell your people how to use their vacation days. Is there a policy that says x people on the team need to be available to work? If not all those people could ask for the day off and there's not much you could or should do about it. You are correct. We don't have a company or departmental rule about having more than one member of the team off on the same day. It's a courtesy that we all adhere to because it saves us from being the ones stuck here extremely shorthanded. The exception is between Christmas and New Year. I allow two off that week because the number of field guys working is extremely low and it doesn't much matter. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vuduchile 1,941 Posted May 3, 2017 A request is just that. You don't have to grant it if you think it's unfair to the others. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alias Detective 1,179 Posted May 3, 2017 Bath Fitter manager. Nice! Anyway, I assume you put it on the back burner because you didn't have the balls to discuss the "issue" when the dates were submitted. Now, she didn't let it slide, so you are faced with the same "issue". This time, you still don't have the balls to have the discussion, so you look to the Geeks for advice. I shouldn't be surprised...... Anyway, as it has been said. Give the days off and get a focking system that works. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
porkbutt 861 Posted May 3, 2017 jeezus how do you take dealing with stoopid sh;t like this?....i always have someone below me to take care of petty bs. someone took my 4 day weekend also "spread pretty thin"...i'm sure you could do more...stop posting. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shotsup 832 Posted May 3, 2017 Who is going to work the fryolator when she is out ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shotsup 832 Posted May 3, 2017 We do not let employees request single days off more then 10 days in advance. Request must be made 5 days prior but not more then 10 days prior. Also no one mentioned seniority ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alias Detective 1,179 Posted May 3, 2017 We do not let employees request single days off more then 10 days in advance. Request must be made 5 days prior but not more then 10 days prior. Also no one mentioned seniority ? He manages people selling bath inserts in the malls. Seniority is counted in hours! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NewbieJr 540 Posted May 3, 2017 jeezus how do you take dealing with stoopid sh;t like this?....i always have someone below me to take care of petty bs. someone took my 4 day weekend also "spread pretty thin"...i'm sure you could do more...stop posting. Oh you have no idea the petty sh1t I deal with. That's why they have middle management. So that upper management doesn't have to. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NewbieJr 540 Posted May 3, 2017 He manages people selling bath inserts in the malls. Seniority is counted in hours! Is that even a thing? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites