Time Thievery!

[Brill Weave]

As some of you may know I have the esteemed honor of working as a shift manager at a Pittsburgh call center. I directly supervise as many as four people but they fired Sameer and Michael as a result(I actually supervise about twenty total.) Now my direct subordinate has been here literally since they built the building. He's in his fifties and I'm thirty. This guy is nothing but a thorn in my side. He does a decent job, so I can't really give him a hard time regarding his performance. Aside from being disgustingly annoying he is a habitual time thief.

Gumby, as he is affectionately called(he looks like fucking Gumby all kidding aside) is also a long time smoker. He will generally take four smoke breaks during the day. One at 9:30, 11:30, 13:00, and 14:00. Now here's the issue. It takes a normal human being about five minutes to smoke a cigarette.

He will take more than 15 minutes each time he goes up. Today the fucker was gone a half hour. So I told him don't expect to take a lunch today since you've already taken one. That was an interesting conversation. As of so far today he's spent 45 minutes outside smoking. Sometimes he smokes multiple cigarettes while he's gone. He also believes that when he leaves the dispatch area is when his time away begins. I say the second he leaves his desk the clock starts ticking.

So here's my problem. I would love nothing more than to get rid of him sooner or later. I've already started some disciplinary action regarding his time theft. But there are no viable candidates to replace him should I end up terminating his employment. Suggestions? He's one write up away from a suspension, which I have no doubt would be waived because he's been here over 25 years.

[deshende]

In the current state of things, I'd say there are a ton of people that would love a job. The issue is how much pain you're willing to endure getting someone new caught up to speed on the job.

[kuronosan]

Ask Lumberg for advice.

On the off chance you are really asking for what you should do, you should find a candidate who can grow from the ground up and just get rid of the guy. He is stealing time.

[Mizango]

Do you work for Initech Mr. Weave? Or should I call you Lumbergh!


Edit: Dammit Kuro.

[Lordwafik]

Can't you dock his pay? Are there cameras you can use as proof? If he's literally taken an hour or so, dock his hour each day.

[Mizango]

You could always hire the Bobs.

[kuronosan]

Yea, there's another good solution. If he comes to you wondering why he's losing hours just tell him every time he takes extended breaks you're not going to pay him. Eventually he'll cut back on his breaks or he'll quit. There's no reason to put up with it if he's only doing "decent". 25 years or not, he should appreciate that he has a job.

Next thing you should do is maybe sit down with him and ask him if he's having any family problems or anything that he feels is affecting his work because you've noticed a pattern. Give him a chance to correct his behavior and if it still persists then terminate him.

[Dimmauk]

I beleive you have my Stapler.
http://www.psychoticresumes.com/wp-c...tonstapler.jpg


What is your company's policy on smoking and break times? Most companies only allow smoke breaks during their break times. If the employee leaves the building, they have to punch out. This was for insurance and liability reasons, in case they are hurt outside the building while smoking. Smoke breaks have always caused drama between Non-smokers and Smokers.

[jmc]

Start marking when he leaves his desk.....

I have no idea where your located, but here in the states.... i'm pretty sure there is federal law saying someone is allowed a 15 minute break for every 4 hours worked (please help me out, I might be wrong) If he is only working a 8-10 hour shift.... but vanishing for 2 hours in breaks (not including lunch) then you should dock his pay.

[Brill Weave]

Unfortunately we have no cameras. We're also in the part of the call center that doesn't record it's phonecalls or require employees to log into the phone etc. Docking his pay isn't feasible with how our payroll is set up. He also has a very specialized job with a much different skillset than the other people under me. So if I were to hire someone from off the street it would probably take 8-12 months to get this person up to speed to the point where he/she could operate independently and do it efficiently. In essence I'm kind of stuck with him.

[Mizango]

I go to lunch and break when I feel like it. Fuck the corporate world, gotz 2 keep it gutter.

[Dimmauk]

Before you can really go after his time, make sure you talk to HR to find out what your options are.

[Brill Weave]

I love you Miz.

[SamanosukeShiva]

what would michael scott do

[Shuemue]

Smokers should get the same breaks as a non-smoker. If they need extra breaks because of their addiction they shouldn't get paid for that time.

[Mizango]

I love you Miz.

lol

[Delta_9]

Sounds like he knows he is pretty safe doing what he is doing. Start looking for someone now and maybe you'll get lucky and come across someone with the same skill set. Otherwise if disciplinary action/suspension isn't going to stick I'd say you're fucked.

[Seraph]

Walk outside with him and tell him Ye Olde Stories while he smokes.

[Norellicus]

My company policy specifically details smoke breaks (3 total, 10 minutes each), am I to assume by your dilemma that yours does not?

[Brill Weave]

The official HR stance is working a full eight hour day you are entitled to a 30 minute lunch break and two 10 minute breaks throughout the day. So in the policy stance, he has no legs to stand on. Did I mention he also sings It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood when he walks in here at 6:30 in the morning. For that alone I should fire him.

In the end I can attempt to enforce policy but I really believe that when push comes to shove the people higher up will rescind whatever decision I come to.