Job Discussion Forums

[bigbadsuzie]

There was a time when one of the major attractions of this line of work was that you could usually expect more than the average in terms of time off . Nowadays that is being constantly eroded to such an extent you have to fight your corner just to get even Christmas off and when you take it you are then expected to "pay back" the time you took off .Every year it seems this and other issues are becoming more serious .I work in a place where a large number of foreign people are and they have little or no say on a number of basic fundamental items ,for a country that is trying to harmonize with European work pratices this is difficult to understand .So how is the morale generally at your place ? Rising as the semester break approaches,or falling because a well deserved break is only a faint possibility ?

[FGT]

I'm one of the fortunate few in getting a semester break. What about those who teach in language schools and have had all their holiday until they take their measly summer holiday? - last I heard, anything over 2 weeks was unpaid! At least in that environment, Christmas is sacrosanct - no question of repaying it, the school closes. Part of the "cultural awareness" aspect of the sylllabus!

[harry the hobbit]

The Hobbit feels that the issue of morale in the workplace is not discussed or considered enough .
Many of ones professional collegues confess to the hobbit about their need to look elsewhere for gainful employment . All to often these days it is not a question of money but more to do with how they fit into the place and how one may feel undervalued or even ignored .
Holidays are important for one but too often one is left feeling short changed and even sneered at when one tries to exercise this basic right .There are of course even deeper reasons for a lack of morale in the workplace one defintely feels the forum is the place to debate them as the workplace does not encourage frank exchanges .

[Otterman Ollie]

Interesting thread ,or at least it could be .So what is "morale" in the workplace ? That thing that makes the difference about wether you stay for more than an academic year or keeps you going indefinitely . Its about a lot more than holidays or how much you earn,why have you stayed where you are for so long ?
I think "camaradeire" is a major factor in any workplace regardless of occupation when that disappears a lot of dissatisfaction starts and usually brings resentment and division with it . You would think that a canny employer or administration would see the benefit in having a happy and contented workforce but in this country its an alien concept .
Do we do enough as cultural ambassadors or representives of our respective nationalities to instigate changes in attitude about issues like this ?
Or do we think football is more important ?
I know which of those two topics I would prefer to spend more time on,I know which topic this forum prefers even when the thread is locked .Says it all really .

[Faustino]

More than half of Ollie's posts have been on the 'men' thread. If only we all loved talking about footy as much as he does.

[Otterman Ollie]

Must start redressing the balance then .
First thing and last thing to remember never make anymore comments relating to that (You know which one ) subject .