Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

By Terri Pattrick
September 23, 2001
- London, England

As Information Officer I had to undertake a public survey (encompassing 6,000 people). I dutifully wrote the survey and covering letter, then proceeded to have them printed up, ordered postage-paid return envelopes and A4 envelopes, then acquired data labels from two databases, i.e. electoral register and residents' parking permits.

Within a week or so, I was in a position to pack the 6,000 envelopes and was told that I could hire a temp to help me. It was decided to send the surveys out in 2 batches a week apart.

However, my enterprising manager decided that there was an opportunity for staff within the team to earn some extra money by undertaking over-time over a weekend. I had reservations because I knew the staff offering their services were two of the laziest individuals I have ever known. However, the enthusiastic manager won, and the next day, the Saturday, the packing commenced.

When I arrived at the office on the Monday morning I was astounded to note that out of 3,000 surveys only 500 had been packed. I therefore, was left to pack the other 2,500 alone.

In the absence of a large table, I laid the contents out flat on the floor and started to pack the envelopes. To my horror and further annoyance my manager sneaked up on me from behind where I was crouched on the floor, and suddenly barked: "Oh yes, on the floor, that's just where I like my women!" Already angry because of the extra work that the lazy weekenders had failed to complete, I furiously ignored him and paid attention to the horrific task ahead. I finished the 2,500 that day, arranged for their collection and mailing.

In light of the above, I decided that it was pointless for the two staff in question to undertake the "over-time" the following weekend because they had proven inadequate and lazy. I confronted my manager and asked for a temp, i.e. if I and another shared the task it could take a day or less. Financially it would be cheaper to hire a temp then pay 2 members of staff double time to come in on a Saturday.

My manager, despite the information above, refused and added "well it is your job". So the two lazy employees were given another weekend of fun overtime. Lord knows what they did in that time.

Needless to say I arrived on the Monday to face another 2,500 surveys to pack!