People can be so unkind.

@cynthiann (18602)
Jamaica
June 22, 2009 11:40am CST
I work as a Property Manger in a very upmarket property on the beach. As the summers are so hot, I let the gardners have a 2 hour lunch break so they can eat, relax or sleep if they want to. They then work an extra hour in the evenings when it is cool. They like this and they are more productive in the late afternoon. An owner has just complained to me, from her air conditioned apartment, that the break is too long and I should be out there seeing that they peform whatever the weather condition maybe.The temperature is now in the late 90's Don't you think that this is unkind and unreasonable? We set weekly targets and discuss work to be done but I don't have to be out there in the hot sun all day to see that it is done. We all get along so well and they are very loyal to me and the owners. So what is the big deal? I told her to bring it up at the next Annual General Meeting. I will be fighting for them.
8 people like this
36 responses
@goldeneagle (6745)
• United States
22 Jun 09
Did you tell her what you told us about them being more productive in the evenings when the weather is cooler? I really don't see how it is any of her business how you run your crews, and if she pressed the issue again, I would probably have to tell her so if I were you. However, as long as they are taking the extra time OFF the clock, then making up their hours in the afternoons, I don't really see what the problem would be. It is their choice to work later in the day.
1 person likes this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
22 Jun 09
I did tell her but she came back with the line that she helps to pay our salaries and I shoul dlisten to her. I told her that I report to the Management Board.Totally unjust as this way they work so much more in the cool of the evening
• United States
22 Jun 09
If I were you, I would go to the members of the Management Board and tell them about your conversation with this lady. Then I would tell them about your process of letting your workers take an extended lunch break off the clock, then working an extra hour in the evenings. Tell them that the workers choose to do this on a voluntary basis, and tell them that the workers get their work done as expected and that they seem to be more productive in the cooler hours of the evening. It is likely that this lady WILL come to the meeting and complain, because some people have nothing better to do than to try to cause trouble for someone else. At least if you go to your superiors now and let them know what happened, they will be aware of the situation ahead of time and will be able to respond to her concerns... It sounds to me like you have a good system worked out, and it works to the advantage of your employees. Other supervisors should be as considerate of the needs of the people who work under them. It is a widely used practice in some European countries and other countries around the world for workers to be allowed to take extended breaks for time to relax and take a nap after lunch, in turn working later in the evening to make up their hours of their workday. For some reason, America has never adopted this practice, although a few American companies have begun to experiment with it. Some industries could actually benefit from a similar practice. As long as it works for you and your employees, and as long as the work gets done as expected, I see no problem with allowing it. Hopefully, your Management Board will do some research on this topic as well instead of just jumping to a conclusion if it really becomes an issue.
1 person likes this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
22 Jun 09
Thank you for your excellent suggestions. wehn I next email them I will just slip it in and state tyhatt he gardeners like the system and it is working out well. Then they will be informed before the meeting. Thank you for this suggestion.
@lilybug (21107)
• United States
24 Jun 09
I understand that she is one of the ones that helps pay their salary, but I think she is being unreasonable. The work is still getting done. Plain and simple. You said they are more productive if they have this extra long break, so she is really getting a better deal money wise if they take the longer breaks. Maybe if they were to stagger their breaks, so someone would always be available to get something she needs done she would be better about it. I hope they do get to keep the 2 hour break. Working out in the sun that long without a break is not good for anyone.
1 person likes this
@lilybug (21107)
• United States
24 Jun 09
It has been in the high 90's here all week too. I am missing all that rain we got last week. Rain is not fun either, but at least it was cooler outside then. I dislike the rich who think they are better than other people because of it. I think money makes people lazy sometimes too. I personally would have moved the planter myself. Rich or not.
1 person likes this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
27 Jun 09
I know exactly what you mean. No work is degrading and she could have moved it herself anyway. She also has a full time housekeeper but she thought that the gardeners had to do it. I also just hate arrogant people who think that they are too superior to the general populace
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
24 Jun 09
I can't tell you how hot it is. Scary really - as we are in the hurricane season but none sighteed so far. All she wanted to have done is a pot moved on her balcony. Nothing urgent. From morning I have had to be telling them to tale water with them and sip frequently whilst they are in the sun. Yesterday we had a shower of rain but now it is so hot again. The people who recently acquired money are so much more arrogant than those who have always had money. Those ones are usually kinder and more understanding with employees. Blessings
@Amberina (1541)
• United States
1 Jul 09
Good for you! Keep treating your employees that way and they will work hard for you! I think your a great boss to think of your employess that way you are a very kind person.
1 person likes this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
2 Jul 09
Many thanks for your kkind words
@TheCatLady (4691)
• Israel
26 Jun 09
AS long as they work the number of hours they are paid for, what's the problem? When it's done in offices, it's called flex time. They find they get more work out of people by giving them an option to come in an hour later or take a longer lunch and make it up later in the day.
1 person likes this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
27 Jun 09
Precisely. She ws just throwing her weight around as an owner
1 person likes this
@bodhisatya (2384)
• India
26 Jun 09
Hi Friend, Some people are really unkind and are only interested to get profits out of human blood and sweat. You being in the middle mgmt shall face the max. brunt and honestly, believe me I know how it feels. Lets keep our fingers crossed till the AGM is held and a possible amicable soloution is achieved.
1 person likes this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
27 Jun 09
Thank you Bodhi - you are such a dear friend - and you are wise too!
1 person likes this
@JAG2009 (266)
• India
25 Sep 09
This post reminds me of the situation in some countries in the Middle East. There, the daily wage workers are forced to work outdoors, even in the summer. And summer in the Mid East is REALLY hot! Despite pleas for changes in work timings, there are many private businesses that continue to abuse their employees in this way. It is sad, but unforunately, an unfortunate reality in their case. I wish they had someone to fight for them the way you plan to.
1 person likes this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
25 Sep 09
Thise people would have to face their judgement. I will always fight for justice. I have done so all of my life. Thanks for your input
@WebMann (4731)
• Canada
22 Jun 09
Well it really doesn't matter what you do there will always be those people that are only happy when they are making waves for other people. I would have just ask them if they would like some advice as to where to move to get better service. :) Some time people just need to be confronted with how dumb they are, especially if they aren't even waiting for something to be done and they are just complaining. I don't put up with those people for long.
@WebMann (4731)
• Canada
23 Jun 09
Isn't that always the way. I feel sorry for you having to put up with that. I hope a new job comes into your life, one that will allow you to enjoy your work more for those next few years.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
22 Jun 09
I agree with you, however, this lady will not be moving as she owns the apartment. I have ot be dip[lomatic as she is helping tpo pay my salary but I cannot let her dictate to me management skills in running this property. I have to take a lot of crap as I am old and need a job for a few more years yet. Jobs are so scarce.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
23 Jun 09
Thank you but a new job is not in the offing. I should have retired but I never disclosed my age and I have bbeen here for ten years now. I just have to stay for another three years and make sure that I don't do anything to give them cause to fire me! Thank you for your kind words.
@dawnald (85129)
• Shingle Springs, California
22 Jun 09
Oh good grief, as long as they get the work done and as long as they're not doing anything really noisy when most people sleep, what does she care? What was her point? Was she alleging that the work wasn't getting done? Was she alleging that you aren't doing your job? Some people just like to complain. I'd just let her know that you have targets and that they do get met and then let the owners know there is somebody complaining about this so that they don't get blindsided.
@dawnald (85129)
• Shingle Springs, California
22 Jun 09
That's exactly what it sounds like!
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
22 Jun 09
I think that she wanted a fglower pot moved and they were on lunch. I plan to email the Mangement Board so they are in the picture if she calls them and complains. When I used to tell my husband about these ultra rich women and what they would ocmplain about, he used to say that they have nothing to do and all day to do it in!
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
22 Jun 09
I think that it is very wrong that she has demanded the workers work. I assume the workers, though having a longer lunch, are unpaid for said lunch? Then I see no difference then if they were to not have a longer lunch, and work. Well if they do get paid for a lunch I can see that the manager may be upset, but doesn't it all go down to the work being done and done right vs. when or how it's done? Maybe the how is more specific depending on the what, but the when should be no factor unless money is involved. Then again, don't get me started on the "if money is involved" because I feel that even if money is involved some people can be so stingy and want things done there way, or well, else... Sorry for the rant, good luck with fighting for them. I hope it doesn't cause tensions between you and the boss.
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
2 Jul 09
Well that's just sad then. I don't like when people are like that, especially in business.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
23 Jun 09
Money is not the issue. They put in the extra hour at the end of the day so they are not short changing the Strata at all. She is just being nasty and flexing her muscles.
1 person likes this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
22 Jun 09
GOOD FOR YOU!!! Some people just have to make an a$$ of themselves. What possible difference could it make to her, she sounds like an old busybody, NOT my favorite kind of folks. I HOPE THE WORKERS WIN OUT.
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
23 Jun 09
She sounds like a royal pain in the a$$. Pople like that leave me colder than a cucumber.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
23 Jun 09
She is awful. She called me a while bqack complaining that tshe had been bitten by a mosquito!!!! Like I really care! I told her to buy a mosquito reppant or a mosquito candle but she told me to get the property sprayed. I had to stop laughing when I told her that if we sprayed then the spray only lasts for 3 days and so we would have to spray again and this we cannot afford to do. I mean, so you are bitten by a mosquito - what in hell can I do about it? I will plan a stragy for the gardeners and I will talk to individual owners to get their support before the Annual General Meeting in a few months. Her hairdresser, manicurist and masseusse visit her in her apartment so she does not have to go on the road and find a parking space like we lesser mortals so why can't she get a spray man too to kill out the mosquitoes!!!
1 person likes this
@3cardmonte (5098)
14 Jan 10
Good for you! They are lucky to have someone looking out for them. Tell her she should try doing their work and see how long she lasts!
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
14 Jan 10
I can'tsay a word but have to do things quietly as I need my job. Have now 3 chldren out of work!!!Two of whom are maried. Blessings
@sulynsi (2669)
• Canada
23 Jun 09
First, kudos and congratulations to YOU cynthiann! If more managers were like you, in sense and human decency, workers would be banging down the doors of companies to work, not necessarily for the highest wage, but for a chance to work in an environment that respects a worker as a being with needs and feelings. I recently attended a seminar for small businesses and wages were NOT the most important issue that the majority of workers stated as a cause for satisfaction on the job. The number one, by an amazing margin, was job conditions, being appreciated and treated with respect!! The trouble with this "lady" is that she is motivated by money. She assumes that is what motivates everyone else. She has lots and assumes everyone wants what she takes for granted. She figures that the workers will be quivering in their shoes because SHE is going to make them lose their jobs, ergo, her money. She knows how miserable she'd be without her money, so that must mean that THEY would feel the same! Since her money is so important to her, and their time represents her money, in her mind, she feels that they are "taking" what's most important to her. What a selfish, miserable individual. You'll never convince someone like that. Please don't back down from her or anyone like her.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
23 Jun 09
You are so right as I know that she will never change. Unless of course she lost her money! It might take something as drastic as that to make her change. I will not back down but be quietly determined and will not let her see me quaking in my shoes.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
23 Jun 09
Of course, I would be delighted to read about what you have experienced
@sulynsi (2669)
• Canada
23 Jun 09
You go girl! I would like to relate an experience of a similar nature, but I don't want to take attention away from your post. Would you like to read it?
@Tiamjr (435)
22 Jun 09
If they are doing a good job and are more productive because of the break I cannot see what the problem is. Giving your gardeners this extra time doesn't seem unreasonable to me. Good for you for standing up for them:)
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
22 Jun 09
Thak you . They are good men and I will always support them.
• China
23 Jun 09
some people always take it for granted. They have no experience, and sometimes they know nothing about it , I am wondering what their brain is used for?
• China
23 Jun 09
people should be kind to others if they want others to be kind to himself.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
23 Jun 09
some people just like to throw their weight around and try to terrorise others
@soulist (2985)
• United States
2 Oct 09
I think as property manager you can set how long the employees work. Maybe allowing them to have an hour break at two different times, and still allowing them to work a little later when the weather is cooler. If you are meeting your targets then there shouldn't be an issue.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
2 Oct 09
You are so right. It shouldn't be an issue but it is. We have an Annual General Meeting next Wednesday and it will be brought up again. The weather is getting a little bit cooler now but it is still horribly hot between 12 - 2 pm. Many thanks for your input
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
26 Jun 09
It seems that some people just aren't happy unless they are making trouble for other people. They have it made and do not not know what it is like to work out in that heat like that. You are a very good boss to those people and I am sure they appreciate it.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
27 Jun 09
I really think that they do appreciate it - and I appreciate them for working so hard and cooperating with me all of the way.
1 person likes this
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
11 Jan 10
Hi cynthiann, I would say that it is not up to the tenants and owners to dictate how you run your work crew. It simply is not their business at all. It makes much more sense for them to work later into the day when the conditions are cooler and they can get more done. What they have for breaks should be of no concern to anyone else. You sound like a decent and thoughtful boss.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
14 Jan 10
Many thanks sid. It did come up at the .G.M. and they decreed that they should not have a 2 hour lunch break. Actually, I have just ignored this but they do work throughout when the boss is in property. It is all so ridiculous and stupid. How can they be productive when the temo is in the high 90's at mid day in the summer?
@peedielyn (1207)
• United States
23 Jun 09
Fight for them. I'd be standing there with you! I think if you can give a little and they give a little then what you are doing is alright. I feel for people that have to work in the heat all day. My BF does that. He is the guy that changes the street lamp bulbs in sometimes 100degree weather. He is diabetic and that is rough on him. It's common sense that you should try to keep cool when the heat is on--no pun intended. I think this owner is selfish and then some. Make sure when you go to the meeting, you let them know about how they are more productive in the afternoon and you are just avoiding a disaster by letting them "cool" down so-to-speak. Prevention is the key to success sometimes. I would love to see that owner doing what they do in the heat!
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
23 Jun 09
She could not do it at all. I will let you know when the AGM takes place so you can come and stand beside me
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
2 Oct 09
hi cynthiann if it were not for the fact that it could have' cost you your job I would have had I been you asked the owner if he or she would want to work out there gardening in the hot sun.That owner is really a very heartless person who only cares about the work not the worker. a person like that needs to go out and do some hard manual labor under the hot sun and find out what it feels like. She sounds like she needs a good swift kick in the keaster myself.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
2 Oct 09
I totally agree with you Hatley. The meeting is next Wednesday so think of me as Daniel in the lion's den! Thank you for agreeing to accept my friendship.
• United States
23 Jun 09
I think some people just don't know what it's like to work hard, and as such are spoiled. Try explaining and fighting for them, and I hope she can come to understand that as long as they work hard and get it done, it shouldn't really matter to her. Good luck, and fight the good fight!
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
23 Jun 09
Thak you for your support