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Original poster

Excessive requests before starting a new job

116 replies

EL8888 · 16/09/2021 10:05

I’m starting a new job next month, l have completed all of the HR documents, referencing, bank forms etc etc. Today l wake up to 9 long documents relating to me my new job (NOT related to my start or HR, related to the role). I’m poised to send them an email saying l will attend them when l start. I’m a little annoyed they are trying to get me to do stuff in advance. They know lm still at my old job so why all of the requests. They aren’t paying me yet!

OP posts:
girlmom21 · 16/09/2021 11:17

They probably want you to read it so you can get the ball rolling ASAP when you start.

If you're not committed to the role let them know so they can find someone who is.

TartanJumper · 16/09/2021 11:19

I'd just read it.
You might find red flags in there that tempt you to withdraw your notice and stay where you are, for one.
Is it really so much to ask? I'd rather have some idea what I am dealing with when walking into a new place.

MatildaIThink · 16/09/2021 11:19

[quote EL8888]@idontlikealdi do companies seriously do this?! I wouldn’t have the brass neck to do it. It’s not my first job so l have worked at a fair few companies and l have never encountered this

Hopefully l won’t be working for you as lm not reading it. One minute lm reading 35 pages in my own time, next minute lm working until 10pm with no extra pay or TOIL. I’m a fan of laying my stall out early doors[/quote]
This sounds like you have a bit of a chip on your shoulder.

35 pages is probably an hour's reading unless it is incredibly technical, most of these things are largely skimmable. If you want to come across as a difficult employee from day one then go for it, if you want to appear reasonable then read it and confirm back you have. They are not asking you to work until 22:00, they are asking you to do a little bit of reading.

SimonedeBeauvoirscat · 16/09/2021 11:20

Is it just general company policies and procedures? If so then surely most people file them away without bothering and tick the box saying they’ve read them …. ?! Grin

Original poster
EL8888 · 16/09/2021 11:20

@ManifestDestinee boundaried and not willing to martyr myself for work. Indeed I am!

Current job tried ringing me on a Sunday afternoon. Phone switched off as l do Monday to Friday

OP posts:
LizzieMacQueen · 16/09/2021 11:25

Send it to me, I'll read it for you and summarise it.

Dozer · 16/09/2021 11:25

35 pages isn’t a lot at all IMO.

Dollywilde · 16/09/2021 11:26

I’m really surprised by these responses. I’m in a professional role and I have in the past asked for stuff to be sent to me. Equally I once had a role where they sent me stuff but very much stressed it was just in case I wanted to read up, but there was no expectation as they were aware I was still with my old employer. I’d be surprised and put out to get ‘homework’ from a job before I was on payroll. For starters, I’m always flat out in the final weeks finishing a job because I’m doing handover etc.

Dollywilde · 16/09/2021 11:27

Sorry, to clarify that’s actual stuff relating to the role. If it’s stuff like social media policy/AML or whatever, yes, just say you’ve read it and then pick it up when you’re actually there Grin

MyPatronusIsACat · 16/09/2021 11:27

@EL8888 Of COURSE you need to it. Confused

I am gobsmacked at your attitude to be honest. You won't last long in the job if you continue, with this 'jobsworth' type mindset.

MyPatronusIsACat · 16/09/2021 11:28

[quote EL8888]@ManifestDestinee boundaried and not willing to martyr myself for work. Indeed I am!

Current job tried ringing me on a Sunday afternoon. Phone switched off as l do Monday to Friday[/quote]
Oh dear. Confused

BritInUS1 · 16/09/2021 11:29

It doesn't sound like the new company will be a good fit for you

Hoppinggreen · 16/09/2021 11:30

[quote EL8888]@ManifestDestinee boundaried and not willing to martyr myself for work. Indeed I am!

Current job tried ringing me on a Sunday afternoon. Phone switched off as l do Monday to Friday[/quote]
Slightly different to being asked to read some stuff

TellySavalashairbrush · 16/09/2021 11:37

I'd really reconsider taking this job as I don't think it would be a good fit for either of you.
Personally I prefer getting stuff earlier, allowing me the opportunity to familiarise myself with things before I start the role.

Wroxie · 16/09/2021 11:37

It would have taken me less time to just read it than it would have to come on Mumsnet and moan about it, and I'd also be excited about my new job and want to know more about it. Most people would be!
HOWEVER - if you aren't a fast reader and/or you are just really busy and don't have time, you can just say you'll do it on your first day. If I was your boss, I'd be a little worried that you weren't a strong reader and that you'd need help or support in that area, or that you weren't excited about the job.

Kuachui · 16/09/2021 11:44

Surely it's the same as reading a job contract before starting a job :S

GemmaRuby · 16/09/2021 11:49

Amazed at how many people are willing to work for free!

notthemum · 16/09/2021 11:50

@MantleMoose.
This exactly.
Thank God we we never be running into each other in a professional role.

Ohpulltheotherone · 16/09/2021 11:52

Completely agree OP, they shouldn’t have expectations for you to read policies and procedures before you officially start, unless it’s pertinent to the role that you must have the knowledge from day dot?

I personally would do the pre read but it would be the week / weekend before I started the role, I wouldn’t object to them sending it but only with the understanding that Id be doing it at my own leisure.

I think it’s important to have boundaries with work, it’s a job, you have a contract and both sides have to respect that. It’s very common for scope creep on the employers side!

We don’t edge our way into taking an extra few holidays a year so they shouldn’t edge their way into getting a few hours a week unpaid work?

Too many people complain about having no work balance but don’t have the confidence to push back and create appropriate boundaries

MrsSkylerWhite · 16/09/2021 11:52

It’s not the job for you, is it?

absolutelyknackeredcow · 16/09/2021 11:52

How senior are you? Absolutely normal for middle management upwards
I had several days of work to do before j started my current job.

I am absolutely a manager that treats people with respect and pays them fairly/ ensures they get time off for additional work but we need out of hours working to deliver our core function.

StarryStarrySocks · 16/09/2021 11:57

I'm very much a "leave work at work" person but I would have no problem with doing this. It will take half an hour tops. You can do it in your lunch hour at your current job and still have time for a sandwich.

BrilliantBetty · 16/09/2021 11:58

I wouldn't be doing induction work before starting (getting paid). But then I am a low earner and wouldn't be able to work for free. This should be covered on your start date, IMO, that's when they get your time.

Candleinthebreeze · 16/09/2021 12:11

If mumsnet was a village, I think we just found the village idiot

Hope you’re not one of my employees

leavesthataregreen · 16/09/2021 12:13

I'm normally someone who has very firm boundaries about work not bleeding into unpaid time. But I'd have no problem reading 35pp of useful info before starting a new job. Just read a few pages on each commute for a week. Effortless.