Would this bother you? Work related

[Kiya60]

I’m support staff as I keep being referred to as ‘only’ support staff. People will say ‘as you’re ‘only’ support’ as if it’s not valued and that my role isn’t important because I’m not qualified. The assistant manager also said I can’t be part of the Facebook group chat because I’m only a support role. It’s bothered me a bit

how do you fellow support colleagues feel about this?

We need more context. If you are ‘support staff’ to consultant neurosurgeons then yeah

I think it is not ok to refer to a lower paid role as 'only'. All jobs should be valued no matter how menial they may appear to you or other people.

I think whether or not you’re part of the facebook chat depends entirely on what the job is. They are probably discussing work stuff. Unless it’s for social purposes?

You shouldn’t be referred to as “only support” though. I’m the only member of support in my office and it wouldn’t function without me. I wouldn’t however want to be part of a group chat involving the qualified staff members as I have no need to be.

I don't think we need more context. I think that is terribly rude and absolutely uncalled for. They should drop the 'only'. I cant think of a single sentence where the 'only' before support staff is required.

I can't comment on the Facebook thing without knowing what the group is for.

I was on the Support staff for a sixth form college - qualified AAT Technician!! No business can run without its support staff be they - care staff , auxiliary, cleaners, office staff or whatever. It's just a title - it's what you do that counts. Try pointing that out to people - and ask what they would do without you and your colleagues? You could also point out that it is a form of bullying to exclude you 'just' because you are support staff!! That Assistant Manager needs a course in better people management rather than creating divisions in the staff network!!

YANBU.
I think I’d question the ‘only’ if this happens again - “only support stuff, what do you mean by that?” (said with a Paddington hard stare). When they inevitably fumble around to justify it, stay cool and offer a “mmmm” and a raised eyebrow.

I think the fb thing would upset me too. It sounds like your manager is having a bit of an ego trip. People who value job titles and hierarchy’s over being part of a team are probably just desperately insecure or unhappy outside of work. Don’t let them get you down. Or if there are other aspects of the job/ role you don’t like use it as motivation to find something else or training. That’s what I did after working in an office where a colleague called me “admin” rather than my name. 8 years later I’m just about to become a chartered engineer- so fuck em! And I try to treat everyone with the respect I wish I’d been given!

The only part is out of order and not acceptable.
The chat thing needs context- my team can't operate without our admin staff but the admin don't need to be in the teams chat because it's about the role and swapping/allocations/advice etc.

We have support staff at work. They are essential and we recognize their importance. They are also a distinct group in terms of business function. The non-support staff all have a particular set of skills and training to do the work at hand. The support staff know how to make the building run, send a Fedex, or set up travel, all of which I have no clue how to do.

Yeah

I used to 'only' be a exec assistant in a school and it riled me. We weren't in the super duper collective agreement either, had our own crappy one

So I left

Not the point of your post, but consider no FB chat as a mega mega win

Why is there a Facebook group? Aren't you professionals??

I'd be having a word with HR. Is the fb chat a work thing or a group of friends? Not allowed into the fb chat, if it's work, because of your role is potentially bullying and discrimination. I'd also be looking for another job.

Thank everyone. It’s a work group chat, so updates, general work chat hours on the rota, etc etc, just said it’s not for support or cover staff.

The word 'only' is out of order.

I'd be looking for a better organisation.

Are there other staff who do your role? Sounds like bullying. Is it one person making these comments or a general thing?

Yep, hierarchies: where you fit in determines how much respect you're due. It's crap that people still think like that. I'd be pissed off too, because everyone has their part to play.

Is this a school? Surely this stuff shouldn't be getting discussed on fb!

Rude! I’m a team manager and wouldn’t tolerate that from any member of the team!

Our support staff who are healthcare assistants are the absolute backbone of the ward. Don’t even like the phrase support staff really unless it refers to supporting clients. Sort of implies you are just there to support when the job should be valued for itself. Might be overthinking….been a long week and it’s only Wednesday🤪

There is one more person but they have been there a lot longer than me. The ‘only’ support staff has been said by 3 separate people but mainly the manager and assistant manager

By that, I mean one doing the exact same job title as me