Compulsory use of Teams in own time

[majorieolive]

I work in a shop that now uses Teams. I have been told that the only way to find out my hours and any other important information is via Teams.

I am happy to answer my personal phone but do not think I should be forced to access teams in my own time on my own personal phone / computer. Can I be blackmailed into this or do I have a right to access teams during my contracted hours at work? I work full time in a small shop on one floor.

It's not blackmail, don't be ridiculous.

If you're happy to answer your personal phone then Teams is no different on your personal phone. No need to have the camera on at all, just answer it like you would a normal phone call.

I honestly think that the wisest thing to do at the moment is embrace some flexibility, there are an awful lot of people out there who would love the opportunity to do your job!

How much of a jobsworth are you, that you don't want to check your shifts in your own time?

And I agree with a PP that there are plenty of other people out there, who would have no problem doing this at all in the current climate. So if you don't like it, I suggest you leave and let someone who would be grateful for the job, take it.

How much of a jobsworth are you, that you don't want to check your shifts in your own time?

Exactly. Give over with the dramatics - “blackmail” indeed

How long will it take you to check your shifts? 2 minutes?

What other method could you/would you use to find out your shifts?

How did they give you the info previously? Was it something you normally checked at work? Teams is different to a phone call or even an email as it requires WiFi/data to access and certainly takes longer than opening an email! The teams app is quicker but I have devices (like my elderly iPad) that won't run it so I have to log on through a browser.

It's not blackmail.

Are you concerned about data usage and £££?

Couldnt they just send an email or do they want you to be present on a call to find out?

Do they upload a rota onto Teams as a document? Seems an accessible place to have it.

Your reaction is extreme.

Its not on my personal phone. Its on a laptop at home. If it were on my phone it would be constantly "pinging chat" all day and evening. I receive phone calls if they are necessary which I have no problem with.

I use the term "Blackmailed " metaphorically as I have no option but to use Teams in my own time out of contracted hours. Phones are banned at work.

All these PP saying you should be glad to have a job do put up with anything!!! Really? Let's all go back to working 28 hour days with 1/2 a Sunday off and a flogging for good measure eh?
However, are we talking a 2 minute check of a rota, or are you expected to join meetings. If the former, I might be ok with it. If the latter, I'd ask how you will be paid for that time (assuming you are available).

I use the term "Blackmailed " metaphorically as I have no option but to use Teams in my own time out of contracted hours. Phones are banned at work.

So how do you suggest you find out about your upcoming shifts? Carrier pigeon, perhaps.

@thedevilinablackdress I don't think anyone is suggesting OP put up with anything, but checking your shift rota is hardly akin to a flogging.

You can very, very easily turn the pinging off. I have teams on my phone and don't receive notifications unless I turn them on..

Can’t you just stick the app on your phone? Using Teams isn’t much different than answering your phone. If you don’t want the notifications to bother you when you’re not working, turn them off or delete and reinstall the app as you need it? It takes seconds, I do it myself.

How did you used to find out details of your shifts?

Indeed @edwinbear
A bit of hyperbole in my part to express frustration at the "Just be grateful you've got a job" comments. Now is exactly the time not to let workers' rights slide, however small.

I clearly have no problem checking my shifts which ironically are not yet working on Teams. Its the fact that I am expected to constantly monitor Teams in my own time on a daily basis. I simply work as a shop assistant. I have colleagues phoning me to ask what I think of So and so on Teams (last time 21.00 Sunday). I don't work in a hospital I simply do not care who has contributed to whoever's birthday present.
If it was only used by management then I would be fine with that

YABU obviously !

Have you used Teams before? It seems like a massive overreaction so I’m thinking that you think there’s a lot more to it than there is.

Install on phone
Turn off all notifications
Log in and check your rota when you need to
Close app

It’s probably easier than using email

Its the fact that I am expected to constantly monitor Teams in my own time on a daily basis.
Constantly monitor it for what?

I have colleagues phoning me to ask what I think of So and so on Teams (last time 21.00 Sunday). I don't work in a hospital I simply do not care who has contributed to whoever's birthday present.

so that has nothing to do with management, it's just gossip.

You are being ridiculous.

@majorieolive

I clearly have no problem checking my shifts which ironically are not yet working on Teams. Its the fact that I am expected to constantly monitor Teams in my own time on a daily basis. I simply work as a shop assistant. I have colleagues phoning me to ask what I think of So and so on Teams (last time 21.00 Sunday). I don't work in a hospital I simply do not care who has contributed to whoever's birthday present. If it was only used by management then I would be fine with that

On the basis of this update I think it is possible yanbu.

How often do you actually need to check teams? That is the key question.

If once a week for five minutes, yabu.

If you have to be responsive to it on days of, yanbu.