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Original poster

Stressed beyond belief…

28 replies

BlueHats · 14/10/2022 19:54

I’m not sure how to start but I’ve been told that on top of my job (admin assistant) I will also be required to help with minuting for a protection team. I’ve never minuted before and don’t feel I’ve the right skills.

Another reason for this is because I’ve been struggling with muscle spasms on one side of my body. I have been booked in for an MRI in 2 weeks time.

My Office Supervisor is aware of this but no one else is. I’m currently WFH and when I’m required to minute for the Protection team I believe it will be face to face.

Where do I stand with this? The spasms happen at least once a week but at home I can cope.

OP posts:
Original poster
BlueHats · 14/10/2022 19:56

Can I be made to do this extra job role? My anxiety is sky high!

OP posts:
Dillwyninthebath · 14/10/2022 19:59

Can you explain again about your health? Does your job description say anything like ‘any other duties as required’? Try and relax and book a one to one with your manager? Flowers

Dillwyninthebath · 14/10/2022 19:59

Explain to manager again I mean

FattyAirways · 14/10/2022 19:59

I'm so sorry about your ill health but minuting for meetings usually comes with admin roles I'm afraid. You quickly get used to it and for the big, long board meetings my manager always allowed me to record it as well as take notes. Be nice to everyone who attends the meetings then if you're truly stuck after the meeting when you're writing it you, you can alwys ask who said what and ask for more clarity and they'll be willing to help you. Good luck.

Dillwyninthebath · 14/10/2022 20:01

@FattyAirways not necessarily with most admin roles.

Quveas · 14/10/2022 20:02

All our admin staff do minutes. It's considered an admin task. So it isn't really an extra job, just an admin task you haven't done before. So yes, I think you have to do it, unless you can discuss it with your line manager.

FattyAirways · 14/10/2022 20:02

@Dillwyninthebath oh, I was being taken advantage of them because minuting was always given to me despite there being two other admin staff higher than me. I hated it!

Original poster
BlueHats · 14/10/2022 20:03

The Office Supervisor asked me if I’d heard back as regards the MRI and I told her yes and how pleased It had come through as I’d suffered an episode over the weekend.
I expect my job description will have something like that in it, as they often do.

OP posts:
Original poster
BlueHats · 14/10/2022 20:05

They already have a team of minuting clerks but they often stay for so long before leaving the role. There’s two new ones they have started but still require two more. I actually have my own role in a different section.

OP posts:
cansu · 14/10/2022 20:06

Ask if you can record in case you need to clarify things later.
You may not have to say much.
People will be focused on the meeting rather than you.
Try it. If it is difficult, you can then explain why you should not be asked at this time.

Lorelia · 14/10/2022 20:06

I'm sorry to hear about your health OP. I agree with the others, minutes are usually an admin assistant job.

Is there any equipment you could request to help mitigate your health issue? Speech to text software maybe? If working from home stops them, could you dial in and take the minutes over the phone/video call?

Original poster
BlueHats · 14/10/2022 20:07

The muscle spasms cause me great concern and I don’t want anyone to see me there way.

OP posts:
Misty999 · 14/10/2022 20:08

Ask if you can use a dictaphone you can write the minutes up at your own speed. You'll just need to state at the beginning of the meeting that's it's being recorded.

Original poster
BlueHats · 14/10/2022 20:09

@cansu, I may have to do this and ask if I not be asked. I have to much going on right now and I’m unclear if anxiety brings it on, it may well do.

OP posts:
Original poster
BlueHats · 14/10/2022 20:10

@misty, it’s a good idea but I know they do not let the minuting clerks do this.

OP posts:
Original poster
BlueHats · 14/10/2022 20:11

@Lorelia They can happen any time, home when out, working, etc.

if I am at home I feel safer as no one is aware, I’m not holding anyone up.

OP posts:
Dillwyninthebath · 14/10/2022 20:20

Admin members of staff are not so basic that they just do everything. That’s a bit patronising. I’ve done various admin roles and have never been asked to minute take, the only time I did was when I requested training for it.

cansu · 14/10/2022 20:20

I think if it is very visible you should go to your manager and spell that out. I had a problem with a neurological issue and was also expected to do a speech on video. I was similarly worried about people noticing facial spasms. I went to a member of management and spelled it out. I think you need to be really clear with them if this is your worry.

Dillwyninthebath · 14/10/2022 20:22

Op you’re entitled to say you feel it will affect you. They can help you come up with a plan if they still want you to do it. A decent manager should help you with this if it’s worrying you this extent.

Dillwyninthebath · 14/10/2022 20:23

Who uses dictaphones in meetings now?

Original poster
BlueHats · 14/10/2022 20:26

@cansu, I’ve not yet been diagnosed but the thought of an episode (muscle cramping, foot, leg and arm right side) happening suddenly with less than three seconds warning simply terrifies me. If I were minuting a meeting …well…
Id worry they thought I was suffering with a stroke!

OP posts:
Original poster
BlueHats · 14/10/2022 20:27

@Dillwyninthebath I agree, I need to talk further with supervisor

OP posts:
Original poster
BlueHats · 14/10/2022 20:27

No dictaphone in the building, lol

OP posts:
cansu · 14/10/2022 20:46

I think you should be clear. Tell them you are physically unable to do it.

Turnaroundandigone · 14/10/2022 20:51

Ask them to send you on a training course.

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