Problem at work - how should I handle it?

[Pugdog007]

What does your job description say? If answering the phones is in your job description and you cannot perform this required duty, they can let you go because of it. This would not be protected by ADA.

 

[Caradana]

As an aside, might it be time to go back to school and pick up a new skill? I can't see admin/receptionist roles as a good long-term match for you, if talking on the telephone more frequently than an hour or so a day presents a health issue.

 

[lecach]

What does your job description say? If answering the phones is in your job description and you cannot perform this required duty, they can let you go because of it. This would not be protected by ADA.

The only job description I have is the verbal one. And in the verbal description the only things in reference to phones were covering lunches, vacation and sick days. And I can do that.

Caradana: I dont WANT to be admin. In my last job I was hired as a sales and marketing assistant. Then the big corporation came along and bought my company. And in their organization the closest fit for me was admin. But I was told I would be mainly supporting sales and marketing and just serving as backup for the main Admin. I really think corporate has no intention of the main one getting off the phone 1/2 of every day. But there is no way for me to really find that out.

 

[ducklite]

In all honesty, I think you are lucky you still have a job. Often when there is a merger, administrative people are out the door. In all honesty, they have no obligation to keep you. I'm not sure you're covered under ADA, and if I were you, I'd make nice and be looking for a new job.

Anne

 

[lecach]

Ducklite: They kept everyone in the merger. All 30 of us. Which I know is lucky.

I still feel like there is PLENTY for me to do without the phones. And I really dont think they had any intention of having me be on the phone 1/2 of the time anyway. My boss at the company before the merger was under the impression that I would never be on the phones at all. He's upset that they have me on the switchboard at any level. And he's been to company headquarters and met with all the decision makers. So I think he would know. We'll just have to see how it all pans out. It sure is nervewracking. I wish it was tomorrow already - I feel like I will know SOMETHING tomorrow. One way or another I want to know.

 

[LadyyRedd]

Not trying to be picky but it's HIPPA, not Hepa laws. My husband works as a Network Engineer in large hospital and he has to take tests on this frequently. It stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountabilty Act (Just called him)

Actually...technically...it's HIPAA not HIPPA.

Kimya

 

[Rajah]

Bumping and hoping for a good update!

 

[lecach]

Not a whole lot to report. Supervisor was very busy to day. She was nice as usual - asked me to cover the phones a few times for 10 minutes each and of course for lunch. Gave me to do lists, etc. All signs that I still have a job. Finally when I was leaving for the day I asked her if she had talked to her supervisor. She said she had talked to her on Friday but had not heard back from her. I told her that I would appreciate anything she can do to work this out. That I thought we had a good start to a good relationship. And that I am confident that I can do the job. That my only issue is covering the phones 4 hours a day every day. She seemed positive and told me that she'll let me know what her supervisor says. So I feel better. Its not all solved but at least they didnt just fire me. I'll let you all know what happens later in the week.

 

[Pugdog007]

Thanks for the update! Stay positive and best of luck!

 

[Rajah]

Well, that's a hopeful sounding update. Keep us posted!

 

[lecach]

Latest update:

The head corporate HR lady called me with the head corp. admin lady and our regional admin lady. She asked why I hadnt mentioned this earlier and I just told her that the levels presented to me earlier were acceptable - its the half day thing that was brought up last week that will be a problem. She wants a letter from my Dr. by Friday stating exactly what my medical problem is, and what my limitations are, and what -if any- accomodations need to be made for me. I also have to produce a release allowing her to talk to my Dr.

My Dr. loves me - he'll do the letter and do it in such a way that will really work for me. Sounds like they are covering themselves and are going to work things out. But I bet my review in June will not be exactly glowing.

I emailed the HR lady letting her know I had requested the letter and applogizing for not mentioning it sooner. I told her that I was happy to be employed here and despite the rough start I hoped to make my career here. And I thanked her for working with me.

We're talking again on Friday after she receives the letter.

She mentioned the ADA so I think I have them a little worried.

 

[lecach]

So the HR lady got the letter and of course it wasnt good enough. She wants to talk to the dr. So on Monday I will sign the release - but before I send it to her I want to talk to the Dr. myself. She asked me AGAIN what I was told when they first mentioned the job to me. And she just didnt get that the phones are worse on my jaw than talking in person. It was like she didnt believe me. She kept insisting that our phones only ring a total of 2 hours a day. She's never even been here. I'll keep you all updated.

 

[Pugdog007]

So the HR lady got the letter and of course it wasnt good enough. She wants to talk to the dr. So on Monday I will sign the release - but before I send it to her I want to talk to the Dr. myself. She asked me AGAIN what I was told when they first mentioned the job to me. And she just didnt get that the phones are worse on my jaw than talking in person. It was like she didnt believe me. She kept insisting that our phones only ring a total of 2 hours a day. She's never even been here. I'll keep you all updated.

This doesn't sound good. I have to ask too - why does talking on the phone exacerbate the condition when talking in person doesn't?

 

[lecach]

Talking too much in person can aggravate it too. But the phone causes double the pain. Not sure why - but it does.

 

[disneymom3]

Just caught your thread today. Hope this all works out for you and that the stress you are dealing with doesn't exacerbate that condition. I know mine used to really flare up with stress.

 

[lecach]

I just got another call from HR. Get this - they are mad at me for something else now.

We have this lady from our former company that in another month will be done with her current position. She used to work in a call center. So I asked her if she was comfortable with me suggesting to my supervisor that she could be an emergency backup. My supervisor has said she needs to train me but cant with the phones ringing. So I figured this lady would be an excellent backup. I just didnt want to suggest her without clearing it with her first (I hate when people suggest me for something without asking first). So when she said sure I told my supervisor. She seemed to think it was a good idea. Now HR just called and said I was wrong to do that - that I should go to my supervisor first and called me out completely. I really dont think I did anything wrong. But I guess since I am under the microscrope they decided to "ding" me on this.

 

[Maleficent13]

You are exactly right in why they dinged you...please be VERY careful about EVERYTHING you do from now on. They are sitting waiting to pounce on something they can discipline you for that is not related to the TMJ. I don't want to alarm you, but I have first hand knowledge of this (as in, I was the supervisor and in the room while HR was talking about looking for something unrelated to snag an employee with). I really, really, really distrust HR departments.

I feel bad being such a downer...I hope it all works out for you...

 

[lecach]

Do you think they are trying to get me to quit so they wont get in trouble for letting someone with a disability go? I was in tears after her call. And now I feel like I cant trust my supervisor - before this happened I though I kindof could (not completely of course) but now I know she stabbed me in the back).

 

[Maleficent13]

I'm PMing you.