Is a collective letter to management ever a good idea?

RE: Is a collective letter to management ever a good idea?

Anneke Kuipers — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 20:29:57 GMT

Nicky Lawson Well done for fighting you corner! It is definitely worth trying and it sounds like you and your team have tried everything in your power to change it!
Any updates on the results?

RE: Is a collective letter to management ever a good idea?

chrysanthemum20 — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 18:43:29 GMT

That sounds horrible, not sure how they can justify that in the current cost of living crisis you (and your team) have my sympathies, work is such a big part of people's lives, and it has a subsequently large impact on it

RE: Is a collective letter to management ever a good idea?

underpaid — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 18:10:04 GMT

Unfortunately we have similar issues in a large corporation, nurses leaving, management don't care, morale at an all time low. Managements way to resolve it - give us a pay cut. You can imagine how that information was received!!!

RE: Is a collective letter to management ever a good idea?

Alison Clare Hickman — Sat, 03 Sep 2022 16:22:24 GMT

Love this apache thumbs up from me!!!

RE: Is a collective letter to management ever a good idea?

apache — Sat, 03 Sep 2022 10:53:31 GMT

[quote userid="64023" url="~/001/nonclinical/f/life-in-veterinary-practice/32343/is-a-collective-letter-to-management-ever-a-good-idea/177849#177849"]It's not a nurse's (or anyone apart from hr/management!) job to recruit, blaming nurses for not 'doing anything to help' when they are not paid /appreciated enough as it is is a complete kick in the teeth and completely unacceptable.[/quote]

I disagree. We know it's good for our mental health to be involved in things that affect us. Especially if I was struggling to recruit, I'd involve the nurses as much as possible. It shows that their voice is heard, and hopefully lets them appreciate that, as a boss, you are trying!

I do think that you will have friends/contacts that your boss won't. Classmates, links with training college etc. Are you sharing the advert? Maybe suggesting a re-wording or advertising in different places?

I'm not saying you should do all the recruiting, but the lack of nurses affects nurses most, so some assistance makes perfect sense to me.

In the same way, I always get our nurses involved in the decision-making and interview process.

RE: Is a collective letter to management ever a good idea?

chrysanthemum20 — Sat, 03 Sep 2022 09:42:43 GMT

Indeed! I have worked across a number of industries, at quite a variety of management levels. Veterinary nursing was a new career choice and I retrained as an ahem, older student in order to do it. Still think the veterinary industry needs a good shake up to start properly managing and looking after its staff.

Sadly a bit too late for me and I left practice due to overwhelming levels of bullying and a toxic work culture. Now working in the industry in a different field. Would love to return to practice life, but very wary that most practices seem to be the same and don't think I could cope with a repeat episode of the 4 years in my last practice. Probably why I have such a chip on my shoulder about the whole thing...

RE: Is a collective letter to management ever a good idea?

Alison Clare Hickman — Sat, 03 Sep 2022 09:15:54 GMT

[quote userid="40831" url="~/001/nonclinical/f/life-in-veterinary-practice/32343/is-a-collective-letter-to-management-ever-a-good-idea/177854#177854"]Seems a shame that the overriding message is to stick with your work environment, because it could always be worse? Sad indictment of the state of the veterinary industry[/quote]

Certainly is, though it is also prevalent in many other professions/jobs too... I'm long in the tooth, had many different jobs in varying professions, and so can sadly categorically state this as fact. That's why I recommend trying to fix where you are at first. You never know, it might improve your lot (did for me!).

However, as everyone says, if not (or if the effort outweighs the benefits of leaving), leave. Move onto a new venture with fingers crossed you find a great team, understanding and supportive Bosses plus a fab pay packet and benefits. Woo Hoo! Yasss.

RE: Is a collective letter to management ever a good idea?

chrysanthemum20 — Sat, 03 Sep 2022 07:15:37 GMT

Seems a shame that the overriding message is to stick with your work environment, because it could always be worse? Sad indictment of the state of the veterinary industry.

Know your value, a simple thank you and appreciation of hard work goes a long way. Given they are struggling to fill the gaps in staffing surely they had better look after the staff they have!

The difficulties faced by managers and practice owners in the current climate is no excuse for this, everyone is facing significant stresses at the moment and should a staff member bring it to work on this way, I am sure they would soon be corrected quite harshly (in my experience at any rate).

I would say, state your piece, attempt to improve relations and promote some understanding and if no joy, move on as they clearly don't deserve your loyalty.

RE: Is a collective letter to management ever a good idea?

Laura Gunn — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 18:56:39 GMT

I am all for suggestions and input, that's how a company grows and the staff remain! But if the bosses aren't receptive to feedback or shut you down/ignore you, it's time to leave. You could end up worse off or you could end up in an even better place

RE: Is a collective letter to management ever a good idea?

Alison Clare Hickman — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 18:04:24 GMT

Nicky Lawson I agree! A thank you goes a HELLA long way. And for sure the Stick management style belongs in the Clinical Waste bag. So I am glad you all are going in with positivity and armed with some carrots!! Go you!! Yay! Good luck and I hope it is received well.

Funnily enough I too switched from finance to nursing (mid 40's)!

Can't seem to tag you @Laura Gunn... I agree with you, in part, too. However it's in everyone's interest to have a good place to work and, whilst hiring is definitely solely within the remit of Bosses, team member suggestions for positive and helpful change in the face of adversity will never go amiss. It's stressful finding another job (and you really don't know what you're gonna get until you're in it). Thus I really do advocate for trying to sweeten up where you are first.

Clearly if you have an absolutely dire situ with no possible chance of change, pick up your stethoscope and leave. Yes indeedy!

RE: Is a collective letter to management ever a good idea?

Laura Gunn — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 17:15:00 GMT

It's not a nurse's (or anyone apart from hr/management!) job to recruit, blaming nurses for not 'doing anything to help' when they are not paid /appreciated enough as it is is a complete kick in the teeth and completely unacceptable.

If you are unhappy with management, complain. If you are not happy with their response look for another job where you will be treated as a valuable asset. The power is in the workers hands, of everyone demanded and expected decent working conditions and pay, we would get it.

RE: Is a collective letter to management ever a good idea?

Nicky Lawson — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 14:14:01 GMT

I made a decision to shift over from the financial services world at the age of 50 into a profession I considered would provide me with real job satisfaction

I too am old school- if you can’t do the job don’t take the money. I graft hard and have found I’m ever so slightly ocd re hygiene in the work place. I enjoy the great team spirit where we all pull together and trust me there is no sitting down during my 10 hour shifts.

but old school as I am doing things just because we always have, the put up or ship out threats just don’t cut it in this day and age- and it seems likely this attitude is one contributing factor to our inability to recruit.

yep work is hard, hard work is good but the odd appreciative comment would be far more welcome than the constant put downs

so we are drafting our letter highlighting our understanding of the successes and stresses of the practice, debunking the untruths and putting forward some ideas for improvements - none of us WANT to leave, as I said we love our team but times have changed and the stick v carrot method is no longer valued in any other industry

RE: Is a collective letter to management ever a good idea?

Alison Clare Hickman — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 10:10:46 GMT

apache lol, bet you're not old as me, ya youngster!

Communication is ALWAYS key to resolution ime and imo. Resolved loads of difficult situ's by gritting my old choppers (still got 'em - just) and going in with a bit of fear and trepidation but sensibly, calmly and with useful information. No matter how hard the problem a good ol' pow wow with honesty and team spirit at the forefront will at least address the issues. Maybe even resolve them. However, even should there be no happy conclusion (don't say anything to that - PC Brigade will have me) - at least you've tried and not simply walked away with your tail between your legs.

Yep - lots of good old fashioned been there done that experience ("wake up - you've got it good these days mentality") and advice does help but so does listening to young ideas and realising that the world of work has changed (sometimes for the better sometimes for the worse but nevertheless CHANGED!). Ya gotta deal with what you have now, no time machine is yet invented that works as far as I know. (If anyone does, please go back to 1982 and tell me not to do it...hahahahah!!)

I am a boss - I am also a worker - and have been lowest of the low and highest of the high (currently a bit of both, lol). So i understand from both sides of this argument. It's difficult. It's hard. But without reviewing the situation (thank you Fagin from Oliver) no changes will ever be realised.

As I said previously, good luck - go do it and be the Person/People of Your Own Destiny. Make it happen.

RE: Is a collective letter to management ever a good idea?

apache — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 08:20:27 GMT

I think it's actually such a difficult situation, and by all means raise your concerns. What I would say is try to have some sympathy for the boss too, It's very difficult being in the position of not finding staff when looking. We are also facing spiralling costs so need to keep doing work to pay the bills, so cancelling work and not booking things in is not an option.

Exactly how short of staff are you, how much extra (over contracted hours) are you doing?

I do agree that there can usually be efficiencies founds, whether it comes down to getting things ready, sensible booking in etc

I'm old, but the new vets definition of a busy day would have been relatively quiet when I was a new grad......

Are they advertising for staff? What have you done to help - message nurse friends etc?

RE: Is a collective letter to management ever a good idea?

Alison Clare Hickman — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 15:58:39 GMT

Hiya, (edit: realised I only mentioned Nurses. Receptionists too!! Sowwwwyyy!!)

From what you say, sounds like your Bosses are fed up of people moaning about a situation they can't change (get more staff) and have overreacted a tad ... ouffff! Weeeellll...get back into the ring and fight your corner with positivity.

Firstly though I need to say I do completely understand you think throwing in the towel is an answer through the sheer indignity and frustration at your work efforts being overlooked.

Secondly, however, I know that the towel chuck is a knee jerk reaction with only one outcome. You leave your job and have to look elsewhere. Could be even worse! Frying pan, fire and all that!!

So, thirdly and far better imo, make an attempt to communicate with your bosses to try and resolve matters to mutual conclusion. In the process it'll shine a light on what you are all doing and maybe pull the rug out from under your Bosses notion you're all slacking...(we know you're not!)

It's always a puzzle when 2 opposing sides see things from their own perspective and just don't clearly understand the other side's difficulties. So a truthful and respectful discussion is key.

This does mean you all fully listen as to why your Bosses are stating their nursing team is lacking in some areas (in their opinion). Can you fully debunk this notion?! Or, are there any improvements you can suggest? Can you meet in the middle?

Suggest you get your heads together (nurses) and list all the jobs you do and the amount of hours worked, say over the last 6-8 weeks.

Better still, if you can go to the negotiating table with some ideas for improvement changes, not just moans, it is always a great hand to play. Reduces resistance. Opens hearts and minds, because Bosses love ideas and positivity. Certainly brings down walls of resistance. Makes 'em less ornery and feeling like the team is on side and trying to help.

Can you identify any areas you could either do more, or less, to achieve a smooth and effective performance?

Sometimes, working smarter and not harder is overlooked when we are firefighting or set in a routine. We don't consider alternatives. I count myself as being a bit blind to the smarter part...when I get my head down I don't always take a breath or look up to consider if everything absolutely has to be done all at once or *all* t's need to crossed....when some work can be put on the back burner or there's a simpler way of doing the same job!! Saving time. Saving stress. Being economical (bosses love economical). Becoming more productive and with less sweating....

Just a couple of ideas that've dug me outta a hole before. Hope you find something useful in what I've said.

Good luck.