WWYD - Work Issue

[kamik86]

When I was in college and executive came in and talked to us about her career. One thing she said really stuck in my mind was that one of the reasons she moved up is she was always willing to take on the tasks she was asked to do. If her boss asked her to mop floors as long as they were still paying her salary she would mop floors, not a great use of the money but hey she would do it.

I don't see why cleaning a coffee area is so bad that you won't do it?

 

[MIGrandma]

I can't imagine quitting a job because I was asked (told) to clean the bathrooms and I refused to do it.

I waitressed for 12 years and took my turn always in cleaning the bathrooms. Was it fun? No. Sometimes it was even gross. But it never occurred to me to refuse to do it. It's called a job for a reason, it's not all fun and games. You take your turn doing the bad stuff just like everyone else does. If you find it so difficult to do, wear gloves.

Or, if you're really talking about just cleaning the coffee area, that's even worse than refusing to clean bathrooms. How hard is it to clean the coffee area?

 

[JoiseyMom]

Your post is long and a little confusing.
What exactly are you being asked to clean, the bathroom, coffee area or both?

If these chores are now required of all staff members then I would just suck it up & do my part.

I am being asked to clean 2 bathrooms and a fridge and a coffee area (large area..testing of machines is done there also). And for under 10.00 an hour, I am not cleaning bathrooms... I have 3 at home I have to clean. I am just not doing it. I wouldn't do it 8 years ago in retail and I won't do it now. The coffee area wouldn't be such a mess, if all the people that use it would clean as they go. Why should I be punished for them being pigs?? Most of the time I don't wouldn't even have had time to make myself an espresso..it would take too much time out of my day and I would usually have too much work to do. Now we are slowing down..but still.

The job is an office position...administrative/clerical/computer...nothing in there about janitorial. ANd I did ask during the interview if cleaning bathrooms was required...the answer was NO.

If my boss is too cheap to hire a cleaning crew (and yes he is very cheap), then since it is his company, it should be his responsiblity to clean it...not mine and not for under 10.00/hour. If I wanted to be a cleaning person I would be making alot more then that for cleaning!!

I was asking the best way of presenting it to him..since I do not plan on cleaning the bathroom or the gross coffee area. Under the syrups there is hardened carmel and mold, because those adding carmel to their lattes never cleaned up the over flow . I am not being paid to be there maid. If the others want to do it...go for it. It doesn't mean I have to, even if it means I get fired.

It is a part time job, yes I do need the money...will I die without it...no, but I found this job, I would find another one. I also don't think he will fire me over this (he wouldn't want to pay the unemployment insurance)!!

 

[JoiseyMom]

That's part of many jobs. I've had to clean bathrooms at every restaurant I work in. It's not the end of the world. I'm not a janitor, but I have to clean my ride everyday. It sounds like cleaning has always been part of your job, they're just being more formal about it. I think that you are making a mountain out of a molehill. If everybody else is doing it, then you should be expected to as well.

Yes it is a part of many jobs. Not office jobs (not any professional office jobs I have had), and I did ask during the interview, since I won't take a job where I have to clean bathrooms.

 

[JoiseyMom]

I would just take my turn and do whatever is needed regardless of what was discussed in the interview. Things change, sometimes in order to keep my job I have to do things. General housekeeping is usually a part of most positions, even if you work in an office with a nightly cleaning crew.

In your situation especially, it would seem that it would be perfectly acceptable for everyone to pitch in. Seems like a family oriented atmosphere. Small group of people with quite a few chores.

Besides, there might be a time when you have to use that restroom, so it won't hurt to make sure its clean correctly. Is it really 'public' as in the general public comes in and uses it or is it an office 'public' restroom as in only office personnel (in your case what appears to be a staff of about 6-8) that uses it?

Anyway, in the end, yes I would do whatever was asked of me to keep a position that I like and gets me a paycheck.

Kelly

I do clean up after myself. It feels like home where I am the only one putting toilet paper and paper towels in there. The mess in the ladies room is from the guys who dump their coffee crap to be cleaned in there. I wish they had a work bathroom or they would use the mens room, but they never do.

 

[JoiseyMom]

I would go to work and work. If I had to clean bathrooms or a coffee bar, it would not matter to me.

I do work, I do what I was hired to do. I am the first one at the office every morning...boss is always there late, we are supposed to open at 10 AM, I am there before waiting for them to open the doors. I answer the phones, process orders, shred, vacuum when needed and dust (when time allows) and I do all the duties I was told I would have to do and I do it well.

CLeaning bathrooms and janitorial was never part of the job description. If it was, I would have never taken the job. I wanted an office enviornment and looked for that type of job.

 

[MIGrandma]

I am being asked to clean 2 bathrooms and a fridge and a coffee area (large area..testing of machines is done there also). And for under 10.00 an hour, I am not cleaning bathrooms... I have 3 at home I have to clean. I am just not doing it. I wouldn't do it 8 years ago in retail and I won't do it now. The coffee area wouldn't be such a mess, if all the people that use it would clean as they go. Why should I be punished for them being pigs?? Most of the time I don't wouldn't even have had time to make myself an espresso..it would take too much time out of my day and I would usually have too much work to do. Now we are slowing down..but still.

The job is an office position...administrative/clerical/computer...nothing in there about janitorial. ANd I did ask during the interview if cleaning bathrooms was required...the answer was NO.

If my boss is too cheap to hire a cleaning crew (and yes he is very cheap), then since it is his company, it should be his responsiblity to clean it...not mine and not for under 10.00/hour. If I wanted to be a cleaning person I would be making alot more then that for cleaning!!

I was asking the best way of presenting it to him..since I do not plan on cleaning the bathroom or the gross coffee area. Under the syrups there is hardened carmel and mold, because those adding carmel to their lattes never cleaned up the over flow . I am not being paid to be there maid. If the others want to do it...go for it. It doesn't mean I have to, even if it means I get fired.

It is a part time job, yes I do need the money...will I die without it...no, but I found this job, I would find another one. I also don't think he will fire me over this (he wouldn't want to pay the unemployment insurance)!!

Wow. Do you really think this is fair to your co-workers? If everyone is being asked (told, really, since the boss can make all the decisions he/she wants to) to take their turn at cleaning the bathrooms and coffee area and you "refuse" to do it? Why should you get special treatment?

I just really don't understand the outright refusal to clean bathrooms. You seriously would rather lose the job than take your fair turn in cleaning? Wow.

 

[clgwli]

I hate to say it, but you are acting kind of spoiled here. I have done office work and had to help clean the kitchen areas that I hardly ever used. It was never in my job description but as times got tough and we had less money to spend on even office supplies, we had to do more to help out.

If you don't like it, quit.

 

[Mickey's Minion]

If I had an employee that thought they were "too good" to perform duties that everybody else pitches in for, they are more than welcome to find other employement.

Being a team player is a huge part of any work environment. Somebody who feels they are above the team, well, in this economy there are plenty of resumes of willing workers who have no problems pitching in, even if one of the tasks is not quite as pleasant as others.

The argument of "I didn't do it, so I won't clean it" is the argument of snowflake adolescents, not grown adults who get paid to work.

 

[JoiseyMom]

Not that big of a deal IMO. I have cleaned many bathrooms(even public ones) in my day. Did I like it? No. Did I do it? yes. A paycheck was important to me. I think maybe you have a very high opinion of yourself if you think you are too good to do a little cleaning. I know thousands of people right now wold LOVE to have any job even if it means cleaning.

Judgemental much. What dont you people get?? I didn't take a job that required cleaning!! I asked!! WAS TOLD NO CLEANING!! It was an administrative/clerical/computer postion. Offie work... not cleaning bathrooms etc.

If I had been told this was part of your duties fine, then I would have passed on the job!!

I own a home...lots of bedrooms 2 1/2 baths, 2 kids living at home and 5 pets. I do LOTS of cleaning. Work is my escape from that. ANd if I wanted a cleaning position I would take a job that required that. I don't take jobs that require that because it is not a job I want to do.

Why is that so hard to comprehend, does that make me better then others..no, must means I won't clean for a living. I also won't do manual labor jobs either. I am allowed to chose the employment I want to do. Which is what the interview process is about. They interview you, you interview them. They told me what they wanted me to do and what was required, and I told them what I wanted and was willing to do.

If he fires me so be it.

 

[luvsJack]

Personally, I don't see why someone who doesn't use the coffee area is being asked to clean it. Every place I ever worked expected people to clean up after themselves in these areas or lose the areas.

On one hand, I have always been one to believe in just jumping in to the job done regardless of whether it was in my job description or not; but, otoh, if it was something that I felt strongly about I would probably take a stand on it. It seems that you feel strongly enough about this to take that stand.

Do you have an actual job description in writing? If so, ask your boss to go over it with you and point out that cleaning is not part of that description and point out all the things that are. Explain that you will have to work extra time to do this cleaning and that may not be the best way to spend his money. Also, have alternate ideas ready (like everyone simply cleaning up after themselves in what sounds like a very nice coffee area) to get the cleaning done. Just don't make it sound like you think you are "too good" to do the cleaning that others will have to do. Don't sound like you are willing to quit over this, but that you want to work out this issue with him/her. I would also be ready for an answer that says "well you either do this or we will find someone who meets our needs".

 

[npmommie]

OP, I am the lone one on your side.

I would not clean bathrooms either. I have never had a job office or otherwise where I was required to clean.

in an office situation if someone made a mess in the kitchen area THEY cleaned it up. period.
there were always janitorial services in the offices so no bathroom cleaning.

I wouldn't clean the bathroom either and I wouldn't clean up anyone else's mess.
I get what you are saying OP.

I would suggest to the boss that instead of a cleaning schedule, he have a meeting and let everyone know when they use the coffee area to clean up after them selves.
as far as the bathroom, he should hire a cleaning service or continue to do it himself.

 

[MIGrandma]

Well, your thread title does say What Would You Do?, does it not?

If you didn't want opinions, then don't ask for them.

Most of us are just saying that we would do what is asked/told of us, instead of refusing to do something just because it wasn't originally in our "job description."

But heck, it's your life and your job. Either suck it up and do what is told of you, or go find another job.

 

[Mickey's Minion]

I am being asked to clean 2 bathrooms and a fridge and a coffee area (large area..testing of machines is done there also). And for under 10.00 an hour, I am not cleaning bathrooms... I have 3 at home I have to clean. I am just not doing it. I wouldn't do it 8 years ago in retail and I won't do it now. The coffee area wouldn't be such a mess, if all the people that use it would clean as they go. Why should I be punished for them being pigs?? Most of the time I don't wouldn't even have had time to make myself an espresso..it would take too much time out of my day and I would usually have too much work to do. Now we are slowing down..but still.

The job is an office position...administrative/clerical/computer...nothing in there about janitorial. ANd I did ask during the interview if cleaning bathrooms was required...the answer was NO.

If my boss is too cheap to hire a cleaning crew (and yes he is very cheap), then since it is his company, it should be his responsiblity to clean it...not mine and not for under 10.00/hour. If I wanted to be a cleaning person I would be making alot more then that for cleaning!!

I was asking the best way of presenting it to him..since I do not plan on cleaning the bathroom or the gross coffee area. Under the syrups there is hardened carmel and mold, because those adding carmel to their lattes never cleaned up the over flow . I am not being paid to be there maid. If the others want to do it...go for it. It doesn't mean I have to, even if it means I get fired.

It is a part time job, yes I do need the money...will I die without it...no, but I found this job, I would find another one. I also don't think he will fire me over this (he wouldn't want to pay the unemployment insurance)!!

Being fired for refusing to do your duties, especially if it is a duty that all employes are asked to do will not get you unemployment.

Perhaps this is a way for the bosses to weed out difficult employees.

 

[JoiseyMom]

I can't imagine quitting a job because I was asked (told) to clean the bathrooms and I refused to do it.

I waitressed for 12 years and took my turn always in cleaning the bathrooms. Was it fun? No. Sometimes it was even gross. But it never occurred to me to refuse to do it. It's called a job for a reason, it's not all fun and games. You take your turn doing the bad stuff just like everyone else does. If you find it so difficult to do, wear gloves.

Or, if you're really talking about just cleaning the coffee area, that's even worse than refusing to clean bathrooms. How hard is it to clean the coffee area?

I don't plan on quitting. IF he wants to fire me..he can.

The coffee area is hugh, and I feel the people that use it (and they know I dont) are grownups and should clean up their mess. Very easy and simple.

I emptied the shredder the other day. It makes a mess, always does. DId I leave the mess there? No, I got the vacuum and I cleaned it up. If I used the coffee area and made myself an espresso, I would clean the shot glass and the gridner when I was done.

I do my job and do it well. This was not part of my job, and I did ask when I was being interviewed and again was told NO it wasnt a job requirement.

ANd no, I will not clean a toilet unless I made the mess and will clean up after myself. Yes, it is a deal breaker for me.

I wanted advice on the best of presnting it to my boss. BUt seems liek everyone here is willing to clean toilets and judge me. Well I am not willing to clean toilets..just not what I signed up for.

I clean up after everyone at home I won't do it at work.

 

[happygirl]

Judgemental much. What dont you people get?? I didn't take a job that required cleaning!! I asked!! WAS TOLD NO CLEANING!! It was an administrative/clerical/computer postion. Offie work... not cleaning bathrooms etc.

If I had been told this was part of your duties fine, then I would have passed on the job!!

I own a home...lots of bedrooms 2 1/2 baths, 2 kids living at home and 5 pets. I do LOTS of cleaning. Work is my escape from that. ANd if I wanted a cleaning position I would take a job that required that. I don't take jobs that require that because it is not a job I want to do.

Why is that so hard to comprehend, does that make me better then others..no, must means I won't clean for a living. I also won't do manual labor jobs either. I am allowed to chose the employment I want to do. Which is what the interview process is about. They interview you, you interview them. They told me what they wanted me to do and what was required, and I told them what I wanted and was willing to do.

If he fires me so be it.

Time to look for a new job. It doesn't sound like you are much of a team player.

 

[JoiseyMom]

Being fired for refusing to do your duties, especially if it is a duty that all employes are asked to do will not get you unemployment.

It will if it since it was discussed during the itnerview. I asked him, is cleaning bathrooms a job requirment/duty I will have to do. He said NO. Cleaning bathrooms was not a job dutie.

 

[JoiseyMom]

Time to look for a new job. It doesn't sound like you are much of a team player.

I am a team player..I just don't clean bathrooms that aren't in my home. And bathrooms that I was told I wouldn't have to clean.

 

[RadioFanatic]

I'm with the OP. She specifically asked if it was going to be her duties when hired, she was told no, and bc of the actions of others, she is now being told to do it for no extra money.

In a real response to your question, OP, I would kindly remind the boss of your interview question re bathroom duties and his answer; and ask (a) to only have to clean the coffee areas and not the bathrooms - and ask for a raise for the additional duties.

Good luck!

 

[NHdisneylover]

I don't plan on quitting. IF he wants to fire me..he can.

The coffee area is hugh, and I feel the people that use it (and they know I dont) are grownups and should clean up their mess. Very easy and simple.

I emptied the shredder the other day. It makes a mess, always does. DId I leave the mess there? No, I got the vacuum and I cleaned it up. If I used the coffee area and made myself an espresso, I would clean the shot glass and the gridner when I was done.

I do my job and do it well. This was not part of my job, and I did ask when I was being interviewed and again was told NO it wasnt a job requirement.

ANd no, I will not clean a toilet unless I made the mess and will clean up after myself. Yes, it is a deal breaker for me.

I wanted advice on the best of presnting it to my boss. BUt seems liek everyone here is willing to clean toilets and judge me. Well I am not willing to clean toilets..just not what I signed up for.

I clean up after everyone at home I won't do it at work.

But that is not what you asked for You asked what we would do. I sincerely (no snark intended at all--not sure how to type it so it comes across that way) hope when you asked about the cleaning requirement during the interview you asked what you you wanted to ask.
Anyway, if you do not mind that you might well be let go because of it then sure bring it up with your boss. I would take the going over your duties approach a PP suggested.