wish work was more understanding? I am sure I am not alone

Sometimes I get so uncomfortable telling my manager that I won't be coming in to office or will be leaving early for various reasons-pg related. I have been with the co for 5 years and I think I am a very good and responsible employee. She doesn't have children and is so business minded and is nice, but not the warmest person. My company has a great work from home set-up and I use it, but don't take advantage of it. And when I work from home, I work. I am 7 1/2 months and I KNOW me and my baby are THE most important thing. I worked from home yesterday and today. I work in NYC and don't know what tomorrow will bring. I will take a vacation day if I have to- that doesn't bother me. I just wish she was a little more sympathetic.

Re: wish work was more understanding? I am sure I am not alone

Re: wish work was more understanding? I am sure I am not alone

I know how you feel.
I can do my job from ANYWHERE but for some reason I feel guilty working from home.
I work even harder from home- but it's like they want you in the office so they can babysit you.
It's bad for my morale- makes me feel like a child who can't be trusted.
I'm and adult and a professional- I have NEVER taken advantage or slacked- yet I am not made to feel that way.

I am working from home today because it's just WAY too bad out.
So they send an email around 9 am saying we will close at 1 pm.
Ummm so make people fight their way in- take 2 hours to get in- then work for a few hours and fight the roads in the height of the storm.
Nice.
Why not close the builiding completely?
It makes no sense.
Even from a business standpoint- if you let people work from home all day they'd be WORKING all day- not commuting in for 2 hours and commuting home mid day for 2 hours. That's 4 hours of lost time approx.

I think sometimes business owners forget about the human aspect of their employees...

Message edited 2/10/2010 9:15:51 AM.

Re: wish work was more understanding? I am sure I am not alone

I understand where you are coming from

When I was pregnant with DS #1, I worked for a woman who had no children and work was her LIFE. She was nice to me, but I always felt bad when I left early or came in late for a doctor appt or anything related to the baby.
I always hoped for more support and sympathy from her, and I never got that. I think a big reason was that she had no children of her own.

Re: wish work was more understanding? I am sure I am not alone

I have been with my company for 14 years and I have NEVER taken off for a snow or other weather condition day. I called out today and feel SO guilty! They also recently stated that no one can work from home anymore, so even though I'd be more than willing to do that, we're not supposed to.

All the bosses live in the city, which always gets cleaned up early etc., so I'm not sure they realize how difficult it is for those that live in the boroughs (or farther). If I wasn't pg, I would def. have gone in. They announced that they are closing at 1pm so that's good, but my mom, DH, and friend convinced me not to take the chance at 7 month pg to go in.

Re: wish work was more understanding? I am sure I am not alone

It's different now, because I teach dance and follow the school calendar, so I get snow days. But when I worked for a newspaper there was no such thing as calling in because of snow. That's grouds for getting written up and for a repeat offense, they would fire you. They would rather put their employees up at a hotel then have them not come in. Rain, shine, snow or sleet doesn't stop the paper from going out every day.

Re: wish work was more understanding? I am sure I am not alone

same here.

my boss "works" from home all the time...although its debateable if he is actually working or just playing with his dog. since he does nothing when he's in or out.

me on the other hand...i do moreeee work at home vs in the office because im more comfortable, less distracted, and just feel better overall.

add to this...he wont come in if its raining/snowing cuz he hates driving his bmw in the conditions

needless to say...im nearly 31w...he knows its bad out but my boss STILL didnt call to say it was okay to work from home today. I had to ask for permission...and felt horrible. its ridic.

i feel like if bosses were more understanding theyd get more productive workers.

Re: wish work was more understanding? I am sure I am not alone

I have a similar situation. I am teacher and have a male boss (Chairperson) whose entire life revolves around work. In fact, he even told me that work was his first priority and not his family. Go Figure.

So needless to say he has NOT been supportive at all. I am only halfway through my 1st trimester but had to have IVF to get pregnant. I had to take a few days here and there and it has totally ruined my relationship with him. I am over it now, and realize that me and my baby are #1 priority in my life and not him.

Some people are so insensitive!