Are they overreacting or have I been unfair?

[Haripo]

I'll try and keep this short.

I recently had a bit of a re-design of my team's office making a few desk changes to optimise performance. I met and consulted with the staff first as I didn't want to just do the move before speaking to all staff affected. On the whole - 95% of the team were happy with the proposals, apart from 2 who were being moved from sitting in the corner at the back of the room to 2 middle desks.

I did the seating plan and took into account their needs, placing one of them directly next to the window. This member of staff chose not to sit there as refused to have their back to the office door - they're in the middle so not directly on top of the door - so swapped seats with her supervisor.

Since the move I've had nothing but complaints relating to the staff who are now sitting where they were originally sitting. I met with them, but one of them refused to come to the meeting and I have given her every opportunity to come and speak to me first-hand. Today I am off site trying to complete an urgent audit and I've had a barrage of emails from one of them about the office and now they've gone home sick.

I don't think I have treated these 2 staff members unfairly and I don't believe requesting them to move desks is an unreasonable requests. It's their choice not to sit where I originally intended for them to seat.

It's just every day I am getting complaints about it and it's beginning to drive me mad - I've offered to meet with them tomorrow, but they've come back and said what's the point. One of them now is suggesting that they will apply for another vacancy within the team, which I've said I'm happy to support their application for, but they would need to be aware that the new job would also be in the current office with a similar seating arrangement.

I'm beginning to question my judgement or are they just being bloody difficult!

Nothing of value to add, just that I detest micro management.

Micro management is when they tell you where on the desk you can put your phone. It is not telling people where their desk will be.

Haripo I asked if it was medical transcription because I work in healthcare too, and it's the same here.

I'd hardly call doing a seating plan micro-management, if you leave it as a free-for-all, it becomes hot-desking which most people hate above all else!

This member of staff chose not to sit there as refused to have their back to the office door

A friend of mine has major issues with people being behind her. any move that has her back to the door or anyone walking behind her would cause serious anxiety for her.

I hate shit like this. And it has to be said, it’s only in the public sector that people moan about inconsequential things like desk positions. I’d be looking for the slightest reason to go down the disciplinary/ capability route. They’re not going to get better, and they affect the whole atmosphere of the team.

Don’t get them screen protectors!! Why would those be needed at work unless they’re doing something they shouldn’t be?! Private emails etc can be checked on phone at lunch time or at home in their own time.

That case cited is totally different - the complainant was depressed and this was not adjusted for, you have taken medical reasons into account.

I love the idea that being assigned a desk is ‘micro management’ ffs. Unless there is a hot desk policy (absolute nightmare in most offices) then what the hell else do you expect?!

Maybe they are finding the new desks too noisy.Perhaps one or both of them could have slight hearing loss, the type of issue that usually becomes apparent trying to follow and join in conversation in a crowded bar or restaurant, rather than a one to one meeting.If they are expected to take phone calls they could be struggling.

interesting. i would pull their IS records including internet usage. just to check it isnt because of skiving during working hours.

Some people really don't like sitting in the middle of the office, especially with their back to the door. I know this because I'm one of them.
I don't know why - some sort of primeval instinct maybe - but I get very uneasy unless I have my back to the wall, and can see who's coming. Having people moving about behind me gives me the creeps, and I much prefer to be in a corner. Preferably by a window. Odd I know, but there you are. It's not just at work, I'm like it in restaurants & pubs etc as well.

Your staff may be instinctively reacting in the same way, it is a 'thing' apparently.

Having my desk randomly moved about gives me the rage, especially when (as has happened once or twice) I've been away and come back to a fait accompli.

“Moving the furniture is so easy at the Met. Office. Each desk has forecasters.”

this joke just came up on the Tim Vine joke appreciation Facebook page i’m on. Immediately thought of this post when I read it!

I'd hazard a guess and think that they were spending a lot of time surfing the net. Now that won't be so easy.

Can you track what they've been doing on their computers? I think you'll find they've been on FB or MN all day. I thin this is why they're kicking up a fuss.

The thing is, if they have hearing loss, or anxiety, or some other legitimate reason to need a particular seat, then they should request a meeting with their manager, and sit down and discuss it like adults. Huffing and puffing then refusing to have a real meeting about the situation is just childish

Well staff member telephoned in sick again this morning. I've given her the option to meet with me face to face when she is back in the office to discuss, but she has declined. I have given her solutions prior to going off sick, she hasn't taken them on board. So as far as I am concerned, there is nothing more to be done if she's not willing to try and adapt and take solutions on board. I am sure this wouldn't happen anywhere else other than in the private sector!

Do you mean public sector?

Have you checked their IS records yet?

I've given her the option to meet with me face to face when she is back in the office to discuss, but she has declined.

you don't give her the option, this is a back to work interview that should be compulsory.

Don't give these people the "option" of a return to work meeting. Tell them that it's happening. And that you'll enter into no more discussions about desk plans. I think they're taking advantage of your good nature OP.

Have you checked their IS records yet?

If it's anything like where I work the OP can't just check them, there are steps to go through inc making the employee aware.