Snow Days!

I hate snow days - there I have said it out loud.

I cant stand being cold.

I haven't got an array of ski wear and waterproofs let alone a snow board to sport on the slopes of Horsforth.

I have a job to do.

For me snow days are quite a worry. Worry about my family and how safe they are and /or whether because they cant go out they feel even more isolated. Worry about work - getting into Leeds to pick up the post and make sure the firm can operate. Like many others I also suffer with the pressure of being a fun mum!

I love spending time with my children but presently whilst trying to run a business remotely and homeschool (which this week included potato cloning and Tsunami experiments) I simply don't have time during the working week to take a snow day at short notice with a view to adding sled instructor to my CV (I actually prefer a bin liner - old school)

I'm astounded at how many people are so fast to write off a day at work at the first glimpse of snow. Even more appalled at how this has been communicated to some of my clients over the last few weeks.

Are you one of many business owners whose business has been disrupted by the snow? Are you already dreading the forecast over the weekend?

One of my clients had 15 employees fail to turn up to work last week as a result of the snow. Did they phone in? 7 did the others assumed the company would know they were not going to attend. Could they have made it to work on foot? 4 could have. Did they then post on Facebook what a great time they were having .............

What effect did that have on the working relationship?

None of the employees attempted to collaborate with their employer to see how work could be carried out or to suggest alternatives and in one case when roads cleared at lunchtime they still didn't try to get to work stating that they would take the day off as holiday!

Some of my clients have indicated to me in recent months that they feel employees are currently telling them what they will and will not do and how and when they will work. They believe that this has been exacerbated by Furlough and a short term view that whilst this is available to employers its acceptable certainly in the short term for employees to tell employers how the business will run and what they do and do not want.

I can see why this may be their understanding and it certainly helps but it isnt cost free.

We must all start to think longer term.

Furlough like the snow will not last.

Employers and employees must work together to ensure the business comes out of the pandemic with job roles intact. Collaboration is key. Commication is more important than ever both from employer to employee and vice versa.

I'm not saying don't enjoy the snow but think on the actions taken now because no doubt they will be remembered. Lets support each other.

If you have experienced problems and want an adverse weather policy drop me a line on [email protected]. Get it circulated, communicate its existence and terms and stick to it.

Marie