Accommodations at work

[bedogged]

Absolutely! I find it hard to believe that with all the yelling the OP describes there wasn't a crush of people overhearing and running to her aid.

Anyway, what I fail to understand is this adversarial relationship people have with their co-workers. We're all supposed to be on the same team, working for the greater good of the company right? I was in an accident years ago and required accommodation for a couple of months. I told all of my co-workers what was going on....didn't even cross my mind NOT to. It is also not some big state secret so who really cares?

And this conversation with the co-worker doesn't seem to rise to the level of a threat or harassment to me. I have dealt with real threats and real harassment, and I don't think this is that. Can't adults have words and hash things out anymore without someone claiming some huge offence?

The laws in Canada differ from those in the United States.

 

[sasywtch]

I'm not sure about the OP's place of employment, but let me tell you my experience in a corporate environment.

Back in the day when my company still used paper files (we went paperless almost 2 years ago), there was a file room on my floor. We are (or rather, were) very paper-intensive. We had two file clerks, whose job it was to retrieve file folders when requested, shelve file folders when returned to the file room and send file folders to our offsite archives when a matter was closed and the folder no longer needed. I had the option of retrieving and re-shelving my own files, which I often did, but it wasn't part of my job to do so.

My reading between the lines of the OP's post -- and the OP can clarify this if she chooses to do so -- is that the responsibility for filing falls primarily on the file clerk, but that the employees will frequently do their own filing for various reasons. It appears that the OP has been doing filing on the shelves she can reach without bending, but that the file clerk has been filing the OP's files if they are located on shelves the OP cannot access without bending.

My understanding of what happened between OP and coworker is that coworker has been helping the file clerk rearrange files when certain shelves get too crowded, and that she berated the OP because: (1) she thought she was coming to the defense of the file clerk; or (2) she is jealous of the OP's accommodation. Or perhaps a bit of both.

In other words, she intervened in a situation that was none of her business, and her behavior was totally inappropriate. Perhaps the OP could have handled things better, but the coworker is the one who is out of line.

OMG DIL in/out of the hospital thinking we are having that grandson soon so I haven't been back for a few days.
This poster is correct. I apologize for not being clear and I'm now one of those people adding to their original post. However, I will tell you all that I have taken everyone's opinions and thought through them all, not discounting anyone's.

We are normally free to just put our files in a basket for the 80 year old to refile. We have been going to a separate room for a month to do massive amounts of our work as we are so far behind and trying to catch up. The 5 evaluators have been trying to refile our own files lately because we know the file clerk has been swamped with other things. That's why that person who was yelling said there is still "some" files left in the basket and I said, it may be due to a medical reason. If we left all our files in there, there would be 100 a day instead of 5-10.

I handle special accommodations for those wishing to take our national test. I disagree with those who believe I should have told other workers. I have zero responsibility to inform anyone of any disability other than management. I'm not saying that in a mean manner, just dealing with granting the accommodations, I am keenly aware of the confidentiality aspect of them. Having said that, they all know about my accommodation which is why she brought up her back, she knew it was similar to mine. We've actually been doing more of the filing lately than we ever have so schlepping it onto someone else really isn't the issue. She was just being mean and digging me with something while yelling at me. It was just something to dig with. I will also say that it's maybe 5 files that I may leave there?

One thing that bothers me is that someone who sits next to her was in a private closed door meeting with our manager in another office away from everyone yesterday. I would not put it past the person who yelled at me to file some sort of complaint against me and this person was called in as a witness. I have never seen this manager use this other person's office before as she has her own office closer to us.

I did have a talk with my manager as I had to leave early to go to our main office for her. I told her what was said and that I didn't think it was appropriate. She said that she shouldn't have said any of that and what things we could do to help with the accommodations. I made the mistake and said "I know it sounds silly" and she agreed with me which did not make me feel great.

To a pp who asked why I took her into the file room; she was loud in the hallway and I thought we could talk it out reasonably in the file room where people couldn't hear as well. She's a little revengeful. She has sued the building for tripping over their rug by the door, gone to the union a few times. Our lead told me one time that she didn't know why everyone (bosses) were afraid of her. We agreed that it must be that she goes to the union a lot.

Funny thing is, after she yelled at me and threatened to go to the union or our big big boss if I ever talked about her, she went into a closed door "meeting" with our lead for 30 minutes. Our lead is not a supervisor or manager, workload only so not a confidential employee. So it appears she can go blab about me LOL I mentioned that 30 minute meeting to my manager. We both know that it wasn't about work. They will lie and say it was but my manager and I both know it wasn't. This person doesn't do any technical work that would require that long of any training or information and definitely not with the door closed. Trust me on this. When our lead is listening to gossip or dirt on someone, she closes her door.

So my plan is this.........I am writing down exactly what was said to me and filing it in my file in my own flipper in case I get called into a meeting with the union or a workplace violence report or something else stupid. I went to the manager to be proactive so not as to appear to be adding things on if this woman files some type of report.

This office is just awful. 20 years with the state, I have never seen so many people failing probation, having a police officer escort someone out, having a Division of Investigation person escort someone out. I have never had any fear of being fired from state service until this office. I have never seen people who lie so well and bow down to management and lie for them when someone's job is on the line. I was actually asked one time to embellish something for someone they wanted to get rid of and I refused because it wasn't truthful. They wanted me to say that she should know everything in 6 months but yet, most people only know maybe 25% in 6 months. I will bet you my next years paycheck that my lead (the one that this woman went to talk to after yelling at me) did what management asked as she was called in after I was and after I refused. This employee that knew her 25% like she should have was fired and escorted out the next day.

My number 1 priority AFTER MY GRANDSON IS FINALLY BORN (she lost the musous thingie tonight), finish my bridge in my mouth and interview for promotions elsewhere. I have passed the test 5 years ago and have done nothing with it.

 

[sasywtch]

I agree.

Sometimes people are so busy with their rights they forget a little consideration of others would go a long way.
Sure the Op doesn't have to tell anyone anything about her accomodations. She can't control them having resentment or judging her though.
I also find that people tend to think others are yelling when they don't like what is being said.

No, she was yelling which is why I suggested we go into the file room.

 

[sasywtch]

OP said others may have the same accommodation. If that leaves one person to do the work intended for many, then it can become an undue burden. I wasn't saying it's one now, or that the coworker who confronter her wasn't out of line, but always keep in mind that an accommodation someone has now, may not be possible due to the needs of the business later.

As for hiding behind an accommodation, rather than suggesting the the files be moved to where she could access them, the OP just elected to take the passive approach and not access those files. She may not be required to be proactive, but she also had the option to request a different accommodation. From the OP's description is sounds like she is supposed to refile her own files, but she defaults part of that duty to someone else.

There's also a catch-22. OP doesn't have to disclose the medical reason she can't refile on the bottom shelf, but her coworkers then don't have a chance to understand why they have to cover for her either. It's within their right to complain, OP is not obligated to engage that particular coworker who complained.

I disagree with you on this. If you are instructed to do something by your management/supervisor, you aren't really owed an explanation. I did mention later that they did know so only letting you know as per legal terms, it's not the responsibility of an employee with an accommodation to notify their coworkers. Not being mean, just stating the legal terms that I was taught when approving accommodations for other people. I personally didn't care who knew.

It's technically not my responsibility to refile my files. For ten years, we have filed some, not filed depending on what time we got done with our work. We have been trying to most of it all lately because we have been deluging her with work the last 4 weeks.

Thank you all, I appreciate each and every one.

 

[Disney Doll]

Don't go into a private area with her again. Let everyone hear her yelling and hear you being calm and professional, including management. If you have no faith that HR is going to help you then don't waste your time. I have never found HR to be helpful to employees...IMHO, HR's role is to protect the company. Look for a new job ASAP.

You see, the problem is that since you were in a storeroom, it will be your word against hers. Since she is a loudmouth who goes to the union at the drop of a pin, HR and management are NOT going to want to deal with this at all. That's why sometimes you have to force their hand by letting problem employees dig their own graves.
Allowing LOTS of people to witness public bad behavior is a good well to help them dig...and to force the hand of the powers that be to do something.

 

[Lorelei Lee]

I was wondering where you were, OP. Hope all is well with your DIL and grandson.


It sounds like the busybody is looking to make trouble for you. Stay away from her, don't engage, and no more private talks.

 

[kellyg403]

Don't go into a private area with her again. Let everyone hear her yelling and hear you being calm and professional, including management. If you have no faith that HR is going to help you then don't waste your time. I have never found HR to be helpful to employees...IMHO, HR's role is to protect the company. Look for a new job ASAP.

You see, the problem is that since you were in a storeroom, it will be your word against hers. Since she is a loudmouth who goes to the union at the drop of a pin, HR and management are NOT going to want to deal with this at all. That's why sometimes you have to force their hand by letting problem employees dig their own graves.
Allowing LOTS of people to witness public bad behavior is a good well to help them dig...and to force the hand of the powers that be to do something.

Agree, all further communication should be in public and if a private/work related 'issue' comes up, conversation stops until someone is present. That is what I would do.

I actually don't agree with the HR protecting the company. It has been my experience as management, sometimes we have to jump through 700 hoops before an underperforming employee can be let go, transferred, whatever needs to be done. ( I don't know anything about Unions, so that may be the difference)

OP, I do hope it works out. I don't think you should have to discuss personal health issues and the whys of anything to anyone. But I do believe that there is a middle road in these areas. I am the type of person who goes to work to work and home for home. I don't muddy the waters too much. So, I don't have a lot of personal relationships at work. However, I do have working relationships...and technically they work the same. When someone is caught short by illness or something, we all pitch in until the matter is resolved. I think part of the problem sounds like the office girl feels like she is being unfairly used and abused. Unless you were her supervisor and can help her resolve the issue, the discussion shouldn't have been had with you.

Kelly

 

[snarlingcoyote]

Nevermind.

 

[Arielle22]

OP, you have no idea if the filing clerk has accommodations just as you do. Perhaps her accommodation also states she doesn't have to file lower shelves due to bending issues.

I am in HR and if the issue was brought to me I would tell your coworker to go to a manager with any issues she may have. I would tell you not to engage the coworker and walk away. There washouts reason for you to continue the conversation, you should just say to speak to the manager is she has concerns.

 

[honeydiane1953]

Try and get over this. The yelling lady was fed up and shouldn't have acted like she did! An 80 yr old is still working??? Is this against the law??? Oh BTW is this a medical office??

 

[Lorelei Lee]

OP, you have no idea if the filing clerk has accommodations just as you do. Perhaps her accommodation also states she doesn't have to file lower shelves due to bending issues.

I am in HR and if the issue was brought to me I would tell your coworker to go to a manager with any issues she may have. I would tell you not to engage the coworker and walk away. There washouts reason for you to continue the conversation, you should just say to speak to the manager is she has concerns.

The 80 year old obviously doesn't have an accommodation because no one was directed to do their own filing.

 

[Lorelei Lee]

Try and get over this. The yelling lady was fed up and shouldn't have acted like she did! An 80 yr old is still working??? Is this against the law??? Oh BTW is this a medical office??

My friend's father is 82 and still drives a cab.

 

[barkley]

Try and get over this. The yelling lady was fed up and shouldn't have acted like she did! An 80 yr old is still working??? Is this against the law??? Oh BTW is this a medical office??

an 80 year old working as a file clerk is in no way against the law. in the u.s. with VERY few exceptions (air traffic controllers, pilots, some federal law enforcement/national park rangers/fire fighters, and in some states judges, justices and sheriffs) it is illegal to have a mandatory retirement age.

op says she works for the state; I worked for a government agency in California and my agency had a good sized population of older workers. the only person I ever knew that was forced to retire out was in a very small classification that fell under law enforcement (and involved being able to carry a firearm). with the recent public employee pension law changes in California more and more government workers are looking at working well past traditional retirement age.

 

[Arielle22]

The 80 year old obviously doesn't have an accommodation because no one was directed to do their own filing.

But the filing clerk could have been told not to do certain filing and that someone else would due to the file clerk having an accommodation. OP has no way of knowing.

As a lawyer, you should know that not everything is obvious. The same way the coworker thought OP was slacking from not doing her filing. It is not obvious to the coworker thar OP has an accommodation.

 

[Ceila]

But the filing clerk could have been told not to do certain filing and that someone else would due to the file clerk having an accommodation. OP has no way of knowing.

As a lawyer, you should know that not everything is obvious. The same way the coworker thought OP was slacking from not doing her filing. It is not obvious to the coworker thar OP has an accommodation.

That may well be true, but in no way does that allow for the co-worker to scream at the OP to to try to tell her to do more filing.

Try and get over this. The yelling lady was fed up and shouldn't have acted like she did! An 80 yr old is still working??? Is this against the law??? Oh BTW is this a medical office??

Is this a serious post? There are many older workers who are more than capable of doing their jobs. I cannot even being to imagine how age would play a part in whether someone is too old to be a file clerk. If they can do the job, they do it; if they can't, they should be transferred to a different job or let go - no matter what age they are.

 

[Lorelei Lee]

But the filing clerk could have been told not to do certain filing and that someone else would due to the file clerk having an accommodation. OP has no way of knowing.

As a lawyer, you should know that not everything is obvious. The same way the coworker thought OP was slacking from not doing her filing. It is not obvious to the coworker thar OP has an accommodation.

Here is what we know.


No one ever instructed OP to do her own filing, even before she was injured and asked for an accommodation. To OP's knowledge, no one else was asked by management to do their own filing. No one was asked to help the file clerk and no one was hired to assist the file clerk. Logically, if no one in management directed employees to do their own filing, the file clerk was expected by management to fulfill all of the functions of the job, without accommodation. The co worker who yelled at the OP took it upon herself to help the file clerk, and berated the OP for overburdening the file clerk.

Logical reasoning. Only one conclusion is possible. The file clerk did not have an accommodation .

 

[sunshinehighway]

That may well be true, but in no way does that allow for the co-worker to scream at the OP to to try to tell her to do more filing.



Is this a serious post? There are many older workers who are more than capable of doing their jobs. I cannot even being to imagine how age would play a part in whether someone is too old to be a file clerk. If they can do the job, they do it; if they can't, they should be transferred to a different job or let go - no matter what age they are.

Screaming and yelling really are not the same thing. Screaming at someone is worse The Op used yelling not screaming.

 

[Lorelei Lee]

Screaming and yelling really are not the same thing. Screaming at someone is worse The Op used yelling not screaming.

Thesaurus says screaming and yelling are synonyms.

 

[sunshinehighway]

Thesaurus says screaming and yelling are synonyms.

Whatever. They arent.

 

[Janepod]

Whatever. They arent.

The majority of people I know use them interchangeably and regardless, both are inappropriate in the workplace.