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Original poster

Interesting one here...what would you do?

34 replies

april68 · 20/11/2007 15:24

I'm new to posting on here - I'll admit I've been lurking for a while, but an interesting situation has arisen where I work and I'm wondering how I should handle it. A colleague of mine is pregnant, though not due to start maternity leave yet. The employer has done a risk assessment, as they are required to do, and there is a small part of this woman's job which she can't do any more. Once she starts maternity leave, her post will be covered, but in the meantime, I've been asked to step in and cover this aspect of her job. What would you do in my shoes? I'm really torn because:

  • it's a relatively small part of her job and therefore isn't going to kill me to do it
  • on the other hand, I disagree with the principle that her pregnancy should impact negatively on anyone else's workload
but on the other hand it's not the fault of the employer who is carrying out their responsibility to do a risk assessment, and obviously can't afford to pay cover for this part of the job until the woman starts maternity leave. I'm aware that if the colleague was a friend of mine, I'd probably not have second thoughts about stepping in, but the fact is, this woman happens to be a PITA and would probably be very jobsworth if the boot was on the other foot IYSWIM. What should i do?
OP posts:
ConnorTraceptive · 20/11/2007 15:31

Well even if you refuse it's not going to effect her is it because she can't be made to do it so the only people you will be making life difficult for is your employer.

So I guess it depends on how you feel about your employer as it will be them you are helping out or making life difficult for.

flowerybeanbag · 20/11/2007 15:32

I don't think you probably do actually disagree with the principle that a woman's pregnancy should impact negatively on anyone else's workload, if you think about that statement. Lots of adjustments tend to be made to accommodate pregnancy/maternity cover, both official H&S ones in terms of risks assessed, and more informal ones, in terms of covering while someone is vomiting in the loos, training up maternity cover, list could go on...

I think this is more you don't feel inclined to be helpful because you don't like the woman concerned. But actually you wouldn't be helping her, as she can't do the work either way, whether you do it or not. You would be being helpful to your employer who has a problem to solve, is trying to be responsible and do the right thing by a pregnant employee and is unable to throw money at it. So by doing this you will help your employer out of a hole, will get some brownie points and can feel you are rising above this woman's PITA-ness.

If there is a workload problem for you, have a chat with your manager about how the team's workloads could all be adjusted/unnecessary tasks eliminated/working practices improved to accommodate. All ideas will earn brownie points for you.

Sounds like it's not really that though, more that it sticks in the throat doing something for someone you know would not do the same. Do it and focus on what you are gaining (skills, experience, brownie points, extra responsibility or whatever) and what your employer is gaining.

Welcome by the way!

Original poster
april68 · 20/11/2007 16:00

Thanks Flowerybeanbag! You're right that it's the fact that this woman is a PITA which really makes me question what I should do! And as you say, it's no skin off her nose, as she can't be made to do the job and it's the employer who would have the hassle of trying to cover the job another way. It's a tricky one though - I work in quite a unionised profession, and I can't help feeling that I'm letting the side down by agreeing to take on someone else's workload. I suppose the thing that really grates is that the woman concerned is VERY union-minded, and will always question anything that isn't absolutely in her job description, and therefore it seems a bit ironic that I might end up doing some of her job! I suppose if I was to push this to its logical conclusion, I'd insist that she should cover another part of my job in return (presumably the employer has every right to redirect her to a more suitable job if she is saying she is able and willing to continue working and not ready to start maternity leave yet). Ho hum

OP posts:
flowerybeanbag · 20/11/2007 16:14

Hmm well the problem of the union is a different one. I have to say my patience with the 'room is dark but my job description doesn't say it's my responsibility to turn the light on' attitude is limited to say the least. (Not suggesting that is your attitude and I know that's an exaggeration but you know what I mean).

So if you are concerned that taking on this small part of another woman's job because she is unable to do it due to pregnancy might cause a problem with the union or they might feel you are letting the side down by being flexible and helpful, have a chat with your union rep and see what his/her response is. You never know they may insist you get an appropriate responsibility allowance or something, who knows.

Sorry I am trying desperate hard not to let sarcasm creep in and failing a bit. I am sure you realise it's not remotely directed at you.

harpsichordcarrier · 20/11/2007 16:31

someone's pregnancy shouldn't impatc on anyone else's workload . blimey where do you work, the 1970s
honestly, I guarantee you that for 99% of the working population, covering other people's workloads whether for pregnancy, illness, or so they can go to the dentist is absilutely a fact of life. I think to even complain about it is a little childish tbh.
this is what people do day in day out without making a fuss about it.
sorry...

Walnutshell · 20/11/2007 16:34

You must work for the council with that attitude!

But seriously, if you can accommodate the extra work, why not? If you have to relinquish something else to take it on - that's a discussion you need to have with your employer. Good luck sorting it out.

Original poster
april68 · 20/11/2007 19:24

Lol yeah I can see a bit of sarcasm creeping in here! Harpsichordcarrier - interesting you mention the 1970s, cos actually I would say the opposite is true. I think assuming that a woman can't be pregnant without it having a negative attitude is a very dated attitude - I like to think that in the 21st century we're a bit more enlightened. No, I don't work for the council actually but anyway, union guidelines are there for a reason, and I guess at the end of the day it's about protecting everyone's interests. I also agree that in reality we all do all sorts of bits and pieces to help eachother out at one time or another - however, I still think this is a rather different case, as i'm not doing a favour for a friend, I've been asked to cover part of the workload for someone who is still being paid to do their job, doesn't want to start her maternity leave yet but can't do every aspect of her job. Ho hum, we'll have to see how it pans out...

OP posts:
MitfordSisters · 20/11/2007 19:49

Sorry did someone say jobsworth? Whatever happened to the union of sisters...

Walnutshell · 20/11/2007 19:52

Sorry April, really was only joking - having worked for a council myself

Without more details, it's hard to understand the situation fully but I would suggest you talk it through with your line manager and keep it on a very non-personal basis. Good luck.

CaptainUnderpants · 20/11/2007 20:07

April - you did say in your Op that it was a small part of this others womans workload .- I dont really see what the problem is .

What would you expect if you were pregnant and couldn't do part of your workload ?

You should be grateful that your employer is being very responsible in their attitude towards their employees, more than can be said for attitudes between employees

ScottishMummy · 20/11/2007 20:14

can you "I disagree with the principle that her pregnancy should impact negatively on anyone else's workload"???harsh sentiment imo. in what way will the impact be negative/detrimental?

sounds like you are allowing your personal feelings for this woman to cloud/impede judgement and actions "but the fact is, this woman happens to be a PITA". can you step back, think objectively not subjectively how to globally work as a good colleague.

you state "I'm aware that if the colleague was a friend of mine, I'd probably not have second thoughts about stepping in" so it is not the task allocation after the risk assessment that irks you, it is in fact this woman

what happens if you get pg, and have your statutory risk assessment, will you be subjected to the whims and sentiments of someone who thinks you are a PITA

ScottishMummy · 20/11/2007 20:17

can clarify you say "I disagree with the principle that her pregnancy should impact negatively on anyone else's workload"???harsh sentiment imo. in what way will the impact be negative/detrimental?

sounds like you are allowing your personal feelings for this woman to cloud/impede judgement and actions "but the fact is, this woman happens to be a PITA". can you step back, think objectively not subjectively how to globally work as a good colleague.

you state "I'm aware that if the colleague was a friend of mine, I'd probably not have second thoughts about stepping in" so it is not the task allocation after the risk assessment that irks you, it is in fact this womanhmm

what happens if you get pg, and have your statutory risk assessment, will you be subjected to the whims and sentiments of someone who thinks you are a PITA

callmeovercautious · 20/11/2007 20:21

Can this part of the role incur an increase in salary for you on a temporary basis? You might feel better about it then!

I do agree with Flowerybeanbag though - think of the browniepoints you will earn!

Original poster
april68 · 20/11/2007 20:36

scottishmummy - surely you can see that the principle of someone's pregnancy directly causing a greater workload for someone else IS negative! That's pretty much undeniable. She can't do an aspect of her job because of the risk assessment - and captainunderpants, yes of course i agree the employer is acting responsibly - they have a statutory duty carry this out. I think it's the principle of the matter that's important - in this particular case it's not a huge part of the job, but in other scenarios it might be. Where is the line drawn? And I agree whether the woman is a PITA is not really relevant at all. In some ways it perhaps makes it easier to be more objective because if it was a friend of mine then I'd be more likely to step in, which flies in the face of equality really doesn't it? And scottishmummy - when i decide to have another child I certainly WOULDN'T expect this to create any extra workload for my colleagues. I find the whole idea of it rather odd.

OP posts:
Original poster
april68 · 20/11/2007 20:40

scottishmummy - surely you can see that the principle of someone's pregnancy directly causing a greater workload for someone else IS negative! That's pretty much undeniable. She can't do an aspect of her job because of the risk assessment - and captainunderpants, yes of course i agree the employer is acting responsibly - they have a statutory duty carry this out. I think it's the principle of the matter that's important - in this particular case it's not a huge part of the job, but in other scenarios it might be. Where is the line drawn? And I agree whether the woman is a PITA is not really relevant at all. In some ways it perhaps makes it easier to be more objective because if it was a friend of mine then I'd be more likely to step in, which flies in the face of equality really doesn't it? And scottishmummy - when i decide to have another child I certainly WOULDN'T expect this to create any extra workload for my colleagues. I find the whole idea of it rather odd.

OP posts:
CaptainUnderpants · 20/11/2007 20:44

It might help us to understand your issue a bit better if you could tell us something about the job involved and what exactly she cannot do that you now have to do.

Original poster
april68 · 20/11/2007 20:52

Hi! It's a part of the job that's basically a bit more physical.

OP posts:
BroccoliSpears · 20/11/2007 20:56

Gosh. I am thinking back to all the times my collegues covered for me while I was chundering in the loo. They not only helped me out, but showered me in sympathy and were interested and excited about my pregnancy too. Glad I didn't work in your office April.

If it's a relatively small part of her job, and you'd happily do it for a friend then do it and enjoy the warm feeling you get from not being as small and petty a person as you say she would be if the situation were reversed.

CaptainUnderpants · 20/11/2007 20:58

I'm sure she will end up taking some other workload that is not in conflict with her pregnancy.

Nice to see she has the support of her female colleagues

Original poster
april68 · 20/11/2007 21:05

ooh thanks for that lol. Well I suppose I did come on here to ask for advice! I'm supportive to all my colleagues - that is not the issue. This is about whether I should be expected to take on part of her job for goodness sake!! I just think it cuts both ways - in the past nobody did a risk assessment if you got pregnant, you just got on and did the job. Because we've become such a litigous and jobs -worth nation, things like risk assessments are par for the course. This being the case, surely we have a right to all be treated equitably

OP posts:
LOVEMYMUM · 20/11/2007 21:21

I've had 2 colleagues like that in the past - real pains who expected me to take the post in the rain on foot when they had cars! So i can sympathise that you don't want to do anything to help her out cos she wouldn't for you. The thing is - you're helping your boss and not just her. I would do the extra bit of work and mention it at my next appraisal under 'extra duties'. Also, your boss probably knows that she is a PITA and will be grateful to you - look on the bright side - she'll be off on mat leave soon!

ScottishMummy · 20/11/2007 21:24

April surely if you become pg then you will be subject to risk assessment too, eg that could be as minor as less PC time, which by implication will impact upon your colleagues. no employee works in isolation so it is likely if pg you will impact upon colleagues by taking antenatal appts in work time (as is woman statutory right). just remember what goes around comes around

VeniVidiVickiQV · 20/11/2007 21:27

Well, the thing with having a job is.....

You usually have to work with other people.....and the thing with working with other people is..........

The work always flows better if you work as a team........and the thing about working as a team is.........

If one of you are unwell, or have a family crisis, or are pg it can be covered easily, causing little disruption to everyone - including you and the bosses.......and the thing with that is.......

It Cuts Both Ways.

shimmy · 20/11/2007 21:28

words fail me April.

How would you like to be treated when you are pregnant?

Original poster
april68 · 20/11/2007 21:58

shimmy - I have been pregnant! As far as I am aware it didn't impact on any of my colleagues! Yes of course I went to antenatal appointments as was my right - and my job was covered by an agency worker who was paid the going rate to do it! Ho hum, I'm obviously not going to meet with any sympathy on this but lovemymum - as you rightly say the PITA woman will be off on maternity leave soon

OP posts: