What can I do about this production problem at work that effects me?

[ironpony]

For my job, I have to manufacture orders for customers, and the department manager gives the orders.  It's me and her who work in the department so far.  But on her days off, she never gives me a list of anything to do, orders wise, so I do not know what to do on my days off.  I clean the place to look busy, but still there are orders that have to be done that keep getting put behind, because she never gives them to me to do.

I have asked her to just leave lists or notes on what the orders are, and who needs them so I can get them done to their specifications.  But there are no lists she leaves me.
I have asked the bigger manager to help with this, but the bigger manager says it's her department and to just ask her, whenever I have a problem.  But she doesn't help me either.  I have also asked another person who works there, who tried to get into her computer files to find out what the orders are on her days off, but it's password protected, and no one knows the password but her.
When she came back I asked her if I could have the password or at least some sort of access to the orders to know what to do when she is not there.  But she said no, she cannot do that.

I feel like she is frustrated with me for not doing anything when she is not there.  But I don't know what to do of course, because she will not leave me any lists or specifications on it.  Someone there helped me and managed to find a list of orders on their system so I did them on her two days off, when she wasn't working.  But then when she came in two days later, she said that she already did those while I wasn't there, while she was on her shifts, because they needed to be done.

So I just spent two days doing orders that have already been done and it's been two shifts that were a complete waste and resources.  But there is no written record of what has been done and what hasn't been for anyone there to give me or even know about.  No one knows.  Or if there is a written record of what has been done and has not, it's in her computer and is password protected.  Or she knows it all by memory, and there is no written record at all.

And I have also provided her with my email and number so if there is anything to be done on my shifts, just send it my way and I'll do it.  But she never does and only tells me when we are both there, and by then we are put behind because she didn't tell me while I am on my shifts, without her there.

So I am not sure what to do as it seems like she is doing everything in her power to not keep me in on any loop, but then she seems to get frustrated at me not being in on her loop at all.  And the higher manager says it's all up to her and everything is her call, and that I shoudl go to her with the problems.  So the CEO has given her the keys to the castle so to speak, and doesn't care about what she does with them at all.  So what should I do then, if anyone has any ideas?  Thank you very much for any advice on it!  I appreciate it!

Edited May 5, 2021 by ironpony

[elaine567]

Stop interfering in stuff that is none of your business.
She does NOT want you to fulfil any orders when she is not there and you are lucky you didn't get sacked for wasting all those materials in fulfilling an order that had already been done...
Stick to cleaning and tidying up.
She doesn't trust you to get things done correctly, and in fact you just proved her right.

[ironpony]

Oh okay but then why does she say we are behind, when things are not done when she is not there, like she says it like she is frustrated, if that is what she wants?

Also, she told me she wants to do things when she is not there and that she will email what to do, but then she doesn't so I feel like she is giving me mixed messages therefore.

As for cleaning when she is not there, the place is already cleaning, so I am just redoing the cleaning which is not real work.  I feel like I am doing something wrong by not doing actual work, and I feel like she is judging me for not doing actual work when she is not there.  Unless I am wrong or she is proud of me not having any real work to do when she is not there?

I am just worried that on my shifts when she is not there, that I will get into trouble for looking for things to do like cleaning and trying to look busy, when I could be doing something more important I feel.  I feel like I will be seen as not getting the anything important done.

Edited May 5, 2021 by ironpony

[Alvi]

For whatever reason she doesn't trust you do complete things on your own when she is not there. Might be a good reason for that but nonetheless you might have to start looking for another job since she is not giving you things to do.

Why don't you ask her directly what she wants you to do on her days off? For example, let's say her day off is tomorrow. Ask her: "What would you like me to do when you are not here tomorrow? Is there any list of things that need to be completed? I've been cleaning things/place on your days-off, but I am not quite sure what else needs to be done. Would you let me know." 

How does another person in here department navigates? Is he/she given a list of tasks to do? 

Whatever you do, don't try to get into her computer or ask her for her passoword. That's a big no-no. Why would you think she would give you her password to begin with? That's overstepping your the boundaries, hope you realize that.

[ironpony]

Okay thanks.  It's actually only me in the department on her days off and I have the whole department to myself, which is what makes it tricky.  I didnt' go into her computer at her desk for it.  I have my own computer in the my department, and I can access the mainframe from there, since all the computers have the same files.  But it's password protected.  I didn't get on hers though.

I asked her what to do on my days off two days, ago, and she said she would give me a list in my email of orders to do for customers.  But she never sent a list so I don't know what to do. i can clean the floors and wipe the tables, but there is already a cleaner there who does it and if I sweet the floor for a whole shift, I am worried it makes me look bad for not doing anything more important.  But at the same time, she said she would get me a list finally, and she didn't, and I have no access to what needs to be done or what's been done already.

I was actually hired because I know how to work the computer programs and the equipment, and I know more about it than she does, hence why I was hired.  She directs me of course.  But I think I could do a good job if ony days when I am alone in that department, if they would provide with me with the orders.

[ironpony]

What I don't understand is though, why would she say she is going to send me a list before the shift start, and then I have no list the next day when it starts.  I don't understand why she would say that when I ask her, and then she doesn't.

[Alvi]

11 hours ago, ironpony said:

I have my own computer in the my department, and I can access the mainframe from there, since all the computers have the same files.  But it's password protected.  I didn't get on hers though.

Oh, OK, lol. Doesn't matter which computer you use.  Don't go into her account from any computer.

 

11 hours ago, ironpony said:

What I don't understand is though, why would she say she is going to send me a list before the shift start, and then I have no list the next day when it starts.  I don't understand why she would say that when I ask her, and then she doesn't.

We don't know that one either OP. She is not the greatest boss to work for, that's for sure. I think she doesn't like you for some reason and is looking for a way to get rid of you. But that's just my opinion. Start looking for another job just in case. Sounds like you are working a dead end job with no growth opportunities to me. They can't even give you things to do but expect you to do them or to find something else to do. Who does that? A lousy company.  Probably not the best company for you to work for anyway is that's how they treat you.  I am sure you could find some better employers and employment opportunities out there if you start looking.

 

11 hours ago, ironpony said:

I was actually hired because I know how to work the computer programs and the equipment, and I know more about it than she does, hence why I was hired.  She directs me of course.  But I think I could do a good job if ony days when I am alone in that department, if they would provide with me with the orders.

Talk to her about it. Tell her exactly what you said here and see what happens. Very good points. 

Don't know what else to tell you to be honest, just talk to her and tell her that you need things to do while she is not there. It usually works, right? Hope it works out for you.

 

Edited May 6, 2021 by Alvi
more stuff to write

[Alvi]

Anyway, virtual hugs to you. I know how tough it can be.

 

Edited May 6, 2021 by Alvi
delete stuff

[glows]

12 hours ago, ironpony said:

What I don't understand is though, why would she say she is going to send me a list before the shift start, and then I have no list the next day when it starts.  I don't understand why she would say that when I ask her, and then she doesn't.

Follow up on the list and keep to the range of tasks that you were hired for.

You cannot log into someone else's password-protected computer. There may be files or correspondence there that would be inappropriate for you to read. 

Stay neutral and professional. This is a job that pays the bills. It's good of you to be proactive but keep a low profile while you learn the ropes. It'll be a matter of time if you stick with it. 

[ironpony]

Oh well I can't follow up on the list, she never gave me a list.  But so far whenever I ask her for things to do on her day off, she kind of reacts like she dodges the question, and changes the subject to what we should do now in the moment.  She doesn't seem to think ahead much accept what is now, but never what is tomorrow it seems.  Or at least that is what it seems like.

As for going into her personal account, I never thought of it as her personal account, I thought it was the company's account.  But this is part of the problem as to why production is stalling and getting delayed and put behind.  The CEO has given her a person account, that only she is allowed to do anything with.  No one knows what she knows and she is keeping secrecy on what needs to be done.

Why the secrecy?  Why cant' we all just be open with each other to what needs to be done, and no secrets?  Why would the CEO give her complete secret control where only she has the knowledge of what's really going on?  I don't get why a CEO would do that?  Plus the CEO doesn't know the password to put production back into play, so we can catch up instead of falling further behind.  So why would the CEO give her that much control, power and secrecy, when it's not even her company and she is not the boss?

[elaine567]

7 hours ago, ironpony said:

  She doesn't seem to think ahead much accept what is now, but never what is tomorrow it seems. 

I guess she is thinking very much ahead and she has decided to keep you in the dark.
As she is being evasive she does NOT want you to do anything whilst she is not there, I guess she does not trust you to do the right thing.
How long is this job for?
If I were you I would start looking for another.

[ironpony]

Oh okay.  Well even yesterday near the end of the day, she gave me an assignment on some orders and I thought of good, I will work on them today then.  But I come in the next day, and she has them all done.  She said she needed them right away it turns out but I find odd that she would give them to me but then after my shift is over, she would then change her mind and work on them herself into the night so they would be finished before I could, the next day.

It was only a seasonal three month job, with almost two months left to go, but the higher up CEO says she may be looking to keep me on permanently, in the future, if I would like.  I'm not sure, but I definitely would consider if I knew more about was going on, and was kept in the loop more so I know what to do and have more to do.

Edited May 7, 2021 by ironpony

[seany25]

I can imagine this must be a very frustrating situation that must also cause you unnecessary anxiety during the days when she isn't there. I think it's very unfair to leave you in such a situation when you're clearly an individual who wants to do their job well and isn't being allowed to do so. I really feel for you and even though I don't know you, this is annoying me. I've been in awkward jobs with horrible people, so I can put myself in your shoes and it's not fair. I'm frustrated for you.

I'm the exact opposite, in my current career I actually have too much to do. I'm not joking.

I would start looking elsewhere. You deserve better.

[ironpony]

Oh okay.  Thanks for your advice on that.  Well one idea I have is to request to the higher boss, to make my two days off as week, the same as her two days off.  That way I am not left totally in the dark on my days off.  But I am afraid that if I do that, there may be some hidden catch to that, that they will not think of tell me and I'll just end up shooting myself in the foot maybe by doing that in some way I cannot predict.

But maybe it's job where I am not paid to think and if the department manager doesn't have anything for me on her days off, when I work, then she just doesn't and I shouldn't stress over it?

[seany25]

No. You're walking on eggshells when you shouldn't be. If you can talk to someone higher up, do it now. I can't understand how an organisation are happy to have an employee loitering around when they could be doing something more productive. This scenario is really annoying me.

If you can't speak to anyone higher up then look for another job. I know that's a hassle and it's not what you expected, but sometimes that's life. I've applied for a new job two nights ago and I've been invited to the next stage of the application process. You are not alone. Let's do this.

[ironpony]

I can do that.  It's just when I spoke to someone higher up before, the big boss, she said that it's up to my department manager and ask her what needs to be done.  But that doesn't help me of course.  Maybe I should go to the higher up again and really emphasize it?

Also, yesterday at work the department manager was really stressing out about how behind we are and she wants to do get all these things done in a much faster amount of time.  But it's just not possible to it seems.  But I could have been working on all these things on the days I was working where she was not, if she would have just told me about them and assigned them to me.  Because she only wants to work on them when she is there, we keep getting put behind, she stresses out over it, and then wants me to work faster, when I could have had more time to work on it on those days she wasn't there, and take the load off for her.

Edited May 8, 2021 by ironpony

[spiderowl]

I am sorry you are in this position, ironpony.  If they are actually expecting you to get stuff done when your manager is out, then you need to be left a list of course.

You have talked to your manager who said she would give you a list but hasn't.

You have talked to her manager and, again, no support for you.

I would suggest you email your immediate manager, outlining the situation and requesting that she send you a list of the things she wants doing when she is away.  Ask her to send it via email.  Be very specific:

"I am concerned that I do not have details of what I should be doing when you are off duty.  I want to make sure I do the job well so when you are going to be off duty, please would you email me a list of the jobs you wish me to manufacture while you are away."

You could send a blind copy of the email to your private email address - "bcc" it.  When she replies, copy the reply to your private email address too.

The problem with talking to people, even though it is always recommended at a first step, is it doesn't always work.  Bad employees can get away with a lot by saying one thing and doing another.  I do not know if your boss:

- does not want you to do that work

- does want you to do it but is accidentally sabotaging your efforts

- or wants you to do the work but is deliberately sabotaging your efforts.

By putting your request for a list in writing (in the nicest possible tone), you are covering yourself if she does not give you a list.  She might also have to be more explicit about what she actually does want you to do. 

If she gives you a verbal list, write it down, date it and keep a record of the list.  If she gives you a written list (but not via email), again, date it, and keep a copy.

I agree with others that you should avoid interfering with anything on her computer or desk.  It is up to her to provide you with a list.  If she does not do this and jobs should be done, then she is going to have to explain to her boss if you end up being blamed.  If it looks like you are going to be pushed out of the job for not manufacturing in her absence, that is the time to bring up those emails to show you have done your best to get the information to enable you to complete the tasks.

Meanwhile, wait for the list and, if she goes away without sending one to you, just do the obvious jobs that are there to the best of your ability, even if it is only cleaning.

I would suggest looking for another job because something isn't quite right in this situation and the managers seem to be abdicating their responsibility.  Eventually, heads will roll if the job is not done.  You need to cover your back and do your best in the meantime.

 

Edited May 10, 2021 by spiderowl

[ironpony]

Okay thank you very much for the advice!  Well actually it was just supppose to be a seasonal job but they offered to extend to longer and to a possible permanent position.  However, could I use this to my advantage perhaps and tell them that I am interested in that, but that I would like access to all the order files and records as well?

[dramafreezone]

On 5/17/2021 at 8:07 PM, ironpony said:

Okay thank you very much for the advice!  Well actually it was just supppose to be a seasonal job but they offered to extend to longer and to a possible permanent position.  However, could I use this to my advantage perhaps and tell them that I am interested in that, but that I would like access to all the order files and records as well?

Doesn't sound like a seasonal position that might turn into a permanent job is one where you can demand conditions for your continued employment.  It doesn't seem like they want you with more responsibility.  Just look for another job, it doesn't sound like this one is very fulfilling for you.

[elaine567]

She doesn't trust you to do the work when she is not there and you do not work fast enough when she is there...
You need to increase your speed of working, not try to get extra time by working whilst she is not there.

Forget about trying to access orders and getting into the computer system, you are just a seasonal worker, your job is to do what you are told and produce the goods as quickly as possible.
Unless you can do that, they will not be offering you anything permanent.

You will not help your cause by pointing out problems and causing trouble for your manager.
Get your head down and try to produce the goods fast and accurately.

[ironpony]

Oh well the reason things are not moving fast enough, is because she will not allow production to move when she is not there.  It's not because of my speed, I am working as fast as phyiscally possible.  It's just that she only believes production should only move when she is there, and that's where all the stalling lies.

[Blind-Sided]

On 5/5/2021 at 10:22 AM, elaine567 said:

Stop interfering in stuff that is none of your business.
She does NOT want you to fulfil any orders when she is not there and you are lucky you didn't get sacked for wasting all those materials in fulfilling an order that had already been done...
Stick to cleaning and tidying up.
She doesn't trust you to get things done correctly, and in fact you just proved her right.

Yep.  Exactly !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Things are done a certain way... and a boss is not obligated to tell you anything other than what you need to know.   I remember once when I owned a small machine shop... I had a helper who wanted more responsibility.   I really didn't think he was ready... but I gave him the chance.  I told him to cut a bar a aluminum to size for parts we needed to make.   Guess what??   He scrapped two 12 foot bars. (about $100 worth of materials)   While that wasn't the end of the world... I didn't have anymore of the proper sized bar in the shop... and we had to wait 2 days to get more delivered.   So, his mistake cost us materials, money... and TIME !!

[ironpony]

Oh okay, but sorry, I do not understand the point of the story.

[BeanCounter]

Jeez, some pretty harsh responses here....

It's been said, but I would sit down with your boss and outline your problem and why you are struggling, and what you need from them to make things better. Regardless of what a lot of people here say, a boss is not some overlord. It's a person, just like you are a person. Communication between manager and employee is necessary. A good manager wants their employees to be happy, and if there is a problem, they should want feedback on what they are doing wrong to make you feel the way you are feeling.

If you go through those motions, and you're not getting the response you need to improve your work, you have to ask yourself how much you value this job. Is it worth the added stress knowing you're just trying to help and genuinely trying to work and not slack off? Can you find another job that has similar hours and pay relatively easily?

If your needs aren't being met, it's time to start considering looking elsewhere. I tell people that work for me all the time, if you're unhappy in a job, find a new one. I don't want anyone working for me that is miserable.

[ironpony]

Okay thanks for the advice, and thank you everyone else for the advice too.  Well the manager is putting me to work in another department on the days when the department supervisor is not there.  But I feel that the manager should give me access to the order files, because then I can work on them when she is not there, on those days, and then we will not be as backed up as we are.

But if the boss would rather I work in a different department when she is not there, than I can do that.