Comments on: Office Dilemma – Clocking in a Co-worker

By: The Everyday Minimalist

The Everyday Minimalist — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:25:48 +0000

Wow. Sounds like the employer and the workplace doesn’t seem like the best fit for either employee.

With that being said, I couldn’t lie. It would mean that I believe that people should get free passes when they shouldn’t, and who knows? She says she won’t ask again, but if she asked once, she can ask a second time.

By: Karl Staib - The Work Happy Guy

Karl Staib - The Work Happy Guy — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:55:47 +0000

What great responses!

There are so many reasons to say yes and so many to say no. I think I would help the person out just this once. I would let it be known that I won’t ever do it again.

I’ve worked in places where it is difficult to talk to a boss and find a better solution. Sometimes it’s better to break the rules a little bit.

I also wouldn’t help this person out if they were just plain lazy. I’m willing to help someone because they usually work hard and care about their work. I can justify my actions because I know that the work this person does would be missed if she was let go because of a bad judgment call.

I think that is what it comes down to. How can we justify our actions? We have to look inside ourselves and see what our beliefs really are.

Thank you for such wonderful and thoughtful responses.

By: Stacey Shipman

Stacey Shipman — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:16:19 +0000

I couldn’t because i know from experience stuff comes back to bite you. I’m not a good liar either. I’d feeling really bad, but I don’t think I could.

However, sometimes you never know until in the situation.

By: Chris Edgar | Purpose Power Coaching

Chris Edgar | Purpose Power Coaching — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:01:24 +0000

Like some other commenters have said, to me, her job sounds like the kind of job it would be better to lose anyway.

By: Sara

Sara — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:33:08 +0000

Karl — This is challenging question!! After thinking about it, I would not clock her in. I think that could create more of a problem for her in the long run…if the boss finds out.

Instead, I would suggest that she talk to her boss about her family situation. If it’s something temporary, then perhaps she could suggest ways she could make up the time.

I recognize that this option might be hard with a difficult boss. Therefore, depending on the office situation, I might also go with her to talk to the boss and perhaps even offer to help with her morning work until the crisis has passed.

It seems to me if the work is getting done, then the clocking in on time shouldn’t be a big an issue. If it still is, I agree with Lance…I would encourage and help her find a better position.

By: Tess The Bold Life

Tess The Bold Life — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:04:38 +0000

Karl,
First I would send her to the boss to explain how desperate she needed this time. If he said no I probably would do it especially if it were temporary. I’d also ask her to make up the work she missed at the end of the crisis.

Hate to tell you that but especially if I had the same experience previously with the same boss. Arent’ you glad I don’t work in an office where this could happen?

By: Lance

Lance — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:15:10 +0000

Karl,
I think there has to be some leeway on schedules. Me? I sometimes come in late, although I usually come in early. And sometime I leave early. Sometimes I stay late. And in the end, I think it all works out – one way or another.

So – this feels way too forced for me. I’d help out – but in a different way. She’s a friend, it seems. So, I would help her (and myself) look for something different. This is not the place to work. And I’d tell her that. And not clock her in early, but stand beside her and support her in any backlash that comes her way.

I don’t think it’s about the hours we put in anyway – it’s about the quality of those hours…

By: Claudia

Claudia — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:36:53 +0000

Interesting dilemma.

My view is always to cover my A** first. That said, I would check the company’s culture about clocking in. Are other people getting away with it? In other words: who is looking at who clocks in? Is he/she friendly? Would she understand? Would s/he report me?

If circumstances are that the policies are too tough and I might get fired or suspended, sorry, my own life goes first. It’s called self preservation.

On the other hand, if I have more chances of not being caught, then yes, I would help ONCE. As Patty said above, life happens.

By: Megan "JoyGirl!" Bord

Megan "JoyGirl!" Bord — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:07:44 +0000

I’d say this is an easy one, but if put in the situation, I’m sure it wouldn’t be. So I’ll pretend that taking the high road is easy! I believe in karma, so I wouldn’t be able to help her lie. A lie is a lie, regardless of the reasons behind it. Helping someone deceive another person means I’m a messenger of deceit, and that wouldn’t feel right for me.

By: Patty - Why Not Start Now?

Patty - Why Not Start Now? — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:53:04 +0000

Hi Karl – An intriguing question you pose. My first reaction is any employer who requires employees to clock in is draconian and living in the dark ages, certainly not particularly aware of work happiness and the importance of trusting employees enough to give them ownership. Having said that, I know it does still exist out there though. So my answer is yes, yes, yes, I would help this coworker out. Life happens, kids get sick, keys get lost, glasses get misplaced, traffic piles up, and on it goes. Actually, back in the day, when I actually worked for a place with a time clock, I believe I did just this (and had the favor returned at some point).