OP (Original Poster) was organized and efficient. So, when she was reprimanded at work and ordered to “do better,” she followed instructions to the T!
Her Work Schedule
As a medical interpreter, OP worked from home most days but had to be at the OB-GYN Center once a week.
Day-To-Day Responsibilities
She shared that in between patients, she was supposed to be checking emails, catching up on training, tidying up her desk, or adding patient data. There was only about a minute or less between patients, so she had to be as efficient as possible.
All the Nitty-Gritty Details
OP explained that her job consists of typing in the time started, time ended, patient’s last name, and provider’s name.
She wrote, “It usually takes me a total of 15 minutes to do all of the above because I’m pretty tidy and organized. Others take 45 plus to do the same tasks.”
Performance Review
The day before this story was posted, OP got reprimanded because she “only spent 15 minutes” doing what she needed to do, and the rest was “downtime,” according to her computer.
Trying to Explain
OP mentioned that she’s currently averaging around 20% downtime daily, but “apparently, this isn’t good enough.”
She tried to explain and share her side, saying it didn’t take her that long to complete all the tasks. However, they “insisted she be better.”
Complying With New Orders
So, OP decided that she would follow their orders to the T!
She shared, “Here’s what I’ve done today: read one email, play Tears of the Kingdom. Input one patient’s data, and browse Reddit. ‘Tidy up,’ play some more TOTK, and look up cute comics on Instagram. Another email, watch a YouTube video. You get the pattern.”
Praised for Inefficiency
What takes the cherry on top of the cake for OP is that she got praised for “all the extra work” she put in despite her “new lack of efficiency.”
The Community’s Suggestions
Users found OP’s malicious compliance genius and called her employers out for looking at the wrong things.
A top commenter said, “Managing to the wrong metrics.” To this, OP replied, “Yep. Oh well, I’ll be whatever type of employee they want me to be, lol.”
Time to Jump Ship!
Some Redditors also noted that OP deserved to be in a much better place!
“Then you have to find an awesome boss who will appreciate your competency and drive. That kind of worker is needed everywhere. You just have to find someone who deserves it,” commented one user.
Perception Versus Reality
Community members also shared what they’ve learned in their current or previous jobs.
One said, “My biggest life lesson that took decades to learn is how much more important perception is than reality.” Another wrote, “I worked in a nursing home, and I was once told it really doesn’t matter what goes on as long as the paperwork is correct. I’m serious; they meant it.”
Witty Tips
Someone also brought up his witty thoughts on how people should manage their time at work.
He wrote, “In much of the corporate world, looking busy is everything. Being busy is meaningless. The Scotty Principle is your most important lesson. Tell them that the work couldn’t possibly be done in less than 30 hours. Deliver in 29 hours. Spend 1 hour working, and enjoy your 28 hours of free time—just as long as you look busy during it.”
What Employers Should Look At
People also noted that some companies look at the wrong things regarding people’s performances.
One said, “When metrics become goals, they cease to become useful metrics.” Another user replied, “OP is being paid to work, not to be productive. I’m not sure why employers want that, but they’ve made their desire very clear. I’m sure they know what they’re doing.”
Great Job!
Another user also shared a witty response to OP’s malicious compliance.
He wrote, “Outstanding work; you should request a pay increase for your new-found efficiency!” Then, OP replied to him and said, “Thank you! Yes, I shall ask for that in the next email that takes me an hour to type.”
Sad Truth
One Redditor also noted a sad lesson she learned while on the job.
“I’ve learned that if you are too efficient, too clean, too responsible, and too honest, you get your co-worker’s tasks pushed on you. Do your job and pace it; have it completed exactly at closing time. I used to do my work, plus extras like cleaning up the kitchen or organizing the waiting room. Then, it got to be expected that I do the extras. One day, I had a very heavy workload day, and I had just enough time to finish my cases. The next day, I received an email asking why I hadn’t straightened up the waiting room. I sent back an email with the outline of my job duties. I paced myself from then on and did my own tasks,” shared the user.
Do you think OP’s employers or bosses were wrong? What should they have done?
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This post first appeared as She Got Berated for Working 3 Times Faster Than the Rest of Her Colleagues. They Told Her to “Do Better,” So She Maliciously Complied With New Orders! on Quote Ambition.
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