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So my office manager decided to ban kitchen utensils in the office. Part of the reason was that there was too much stealing. Apparently too many mugs, knives, plates & spoons have gone missing for it to be just through loss.

I tried to reason with this office manager. I asked if we really want to create a culture of mistrust where we ban basic utilities like we’re children.

I appealed to the business logic do we really want freelancers going out to grab a coffee 10 minutes a day over a period of a year.

I tried to appeal to the digital nature of the office can we “source the solution from the office”

The other office have to bring in their own utensils but the other office has a canteen.

Essentially I feel like this was a power issue a decision was made I’m not allowed to question it.

Apparently my “behaviour” has been flagged with the CTO. 🤣🤨

I have to stir my tea with a knife unless I put stuff in my desk.

As a solution I decided to reach out to several green companies that provide disposable cutlery and kitchen where they agreed to send a sample which I put in the kitchen. I have a feeling this will be taken as hostile move in of what is: a solution.

Seriously W T actual F.

Comments
  • 3
    The office manager is quite a character, however, I'm not exactly sure why you're going to such great lengths to bring cutlery back into the kitchen. I would just use that disposable cutlery myself (I had my own cutlery set). Putting the utensils in the kitchen will, as you suggest, be taken personally by the office manager. My recommendation is to write a formal complaint and let HR deal with it, saves you a lot of headache especially if the manager is narcissistic. It is also quite possible that someone made a huge fuss out of it and the company doesn't want to waste time on it. Let someone else deal with this. Keep reminding HR about it. This way you're not going into a showdown with anyone, also, the CTO (who I'm sure have enough on their plate) will appreciate not adding "cutlery negotiations" (if they don't have any training, it could get hairy) to his list of things to do. Hope you get the cutlery back.
  • 2
    I like the order of the attempt solutions; very case-switch like.

    Too bad the program broke out without hitting any of the cases.

    Thanks for the story, stranger. :)
  • 1
    Hey @ymas, I feel like it winds me up so much as it’s so stupid.

    Also, the company talks this big game about being a tech office...but then has this Uber corporate response to something so basic.

    Also, I am reminded about it everytime I want a drink or food. I have to remember to bring my cup and a spoon with me everytime I want a tea.

    The thing is I’ve flagged this via the right channels. I started with the office manager, then my line manager, then we have a change person and finally HR. If I am lucky enough to get a reply they fob me off..😡🤬
  • 1
    @onlinechris I totally sympathise with you, you're spending circa 8 hours a day there, it is absolutely imperative that you have a decent environment. I was just saying that any hostility, no matter how innocent will go against you and, more importantly, will waste your time. Managers with attitude aren't particularly social creatures, especially if they are provoked. If you want HR to get a move on, enquire about the grievance policies in your workplace. You can go full-on corporate too. Make sure everything is in writing though. Cessation of any (possibly) pernicious actions is also advisable. Good luck.
  • 1
    @ymas I’ve done this. I’ve stopped doing anything around this and just sent a note to HR saying I felt raising a complaint with the CIO was inappropriate.
  • 0
    @onlinechris hello Chris, I'm sure this issue will be resolved. Keep all your dealings with the manager as formal as you possibly can. If the manager has done anything to the extent that you feel the problem has become "personal" and the manager is acting out of spite, you can request a professional mediator. I cannot emphasise how important it is to ensure you have a written record of everything. I really hope all this gets resolved soon mate. If you're feeling bullied, feel free to message me on Wickr (same username as here).
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