Friends, I feel like I've officially become a slave to overtime at work. They don't say it outright, but they insinuate things like, 'Well, you must have handled the work today, right?' When I object, they say, 'The company's success is our collective success.' What route should I take, should I stand up for my rights or just go along with it?
Daughter, you shouldn't turn a blind eye to things like this. If she were my daughter, she would stop immediately upon hearing those suggestive comments. You have to go to work knowing your rights at least once. First, learn what the weekly working hours are and how overtime is paid.
First, try having a conversation. Draw a clear line by saying, 'I do not want to work outside of office hours; this is my personal time.' If they don't understand, start keeping documented records of any overtime. Then you can apply to HR or the Ministry of Labor. These matters are legal.
Well, sorry to say, but I think you have a part in this too. The guy was hinting at things all the time, and you just kept putting up with it. This is how they get used to it by saying 'one more time, one more time.' Would it have bothered you that much if you had said no from the start?
This is a serious situation from an employment law perspective. To work outside of business hours, either additional payment is made or leave is written. First, learn the company's overtime policy. If there is a violation and they do not rectify it, you have the right to file a complaint with the Ministry of Labor.
Thank you all. Let me add this: I don't technically spend too much time on overtime, but even when I get home, I keep getting messages on my phone. 'Did you write this?', 'Did you send the email?' and so on. So it feels like the work never ends.
What an uncomfortable situation that is. They were constantly messaging our roommate the other day too. They really objected to it on WhatsApp saying 'it's your job' and then they cut off the call. I think you need to be clear by showing the messages as well.
Now that messaging is a whole different story. You can’t say yes to overtime at work and then complain on the phone about 'why are they writing'. If you don’t set a limit, they will keep coming back. If you’re working extra, the communications will look like just another task.
In our society, the boss always tests the other person. If you don't say "no" clearly, they'll think "they'll handle it anyway" and take advantage. That's why speak openly, tell them not to message you outside of work hours and cut them off.
