Ten years ago I started working for DMD medical Supplies as a clerk. Six months ago I was promoted to Office Manager. I manage two people. My office provides secretarial support for the four members of the executive team. Two years ago, my boss Liz assigned an employee I manage, Jack, to support Ralph Alane and Jessica Hilo.Ruth, the other person I manage is assigned to Samuel Daley and Frank Daley. (These aren’t their real names) The work flow was equally balanced.

Question

Within the last three months Ruth has cut her breaks short to complete her work, she complains about being tired, and twice a month requires overtime hours costing the company $200 a month. Within the last three weeks, Frank Daley has been complaining about her Work.
Jack, on the other hand, has had little to do. He comes in late a couple times a week and takes more than the allotted break times. What work he does have he always professionally completes, though. I did do some research, and I found out that Samuel and Frank share a part time administravtive assistant, and she only works 15 hours a week. Ralph and Jessica share a full time assistant, but Jessica is on medical leave and my boss isn’t sure that’s shes coming back. All her work has been given to Ralph and Frank. Its not in my authority to change the work assignments of anyone, and I know for a fact that its no one’s personal life getting in the way. I need to change the work assignments so that Ruth and Jack both have enough work…but I’m not sure what to do. What would you do?

Answer 1

Am I missing something here? You state:

Its not in my authority to change the work assignments of anyone, . . .

I need to change the work assignments so that Ruth and Jack both have enough work

Those statements are contradictory.