Say It Ain’t So, Ohio
April 9th, 2008 by Cali & Jody
We heard about Gov. Ted Strickland’s move to limit flexible work arrangements for the state’s 60,000 employees. The piece cites the need to “maximize efficiency” during a budget crisis where “every dollar counts”.
Here’s our prediction for how this is going to play out:
The change goes into effect in May of 2008.
In the first three months, managers and employees stress out (and lose productivity) as they scramble to adjust to the new rules.
In the first six months, anyone who had based their lives around having some flexibility becomes demoralized and unmotivated.
In the first year, talented employees (you know, the ones who are good at maximizing efficiency) find better opportunities elsewhere.
In the second and third year, the word is out that the State of Ohio is not a place you want to work because they have a 19th century work culture.
In the fourth year, the (hopefully new) governor makes a speech about reforming and revitalizing the state workforce by introducing flexible work arrangements that motivate employees, attract top talent and maximize efficiency.
We have a message to Gov. Strickland and anyone else who wants to use the state of the economy to rob employees of flexibility and control: don’t. You may think you’re helping by circling the wagons, but no business or organization ever succeeded by acting out of fear. Now is the time to unleash your workforce, not hobble them with a rigid schedule.
We also have a message to the people of Ohio: make a stink. If you know someone who works for the state, stand up for them. And even if you don’t, it’s in your interest to help. The next time you need something from the state, you’re less likely to get good service if everyone is miserable.
Gov. Strickland is on the short list to be Hillary Clinton’s running mate if she’s the nominee. I’m not saying, I’m just saying…
Having moved to Cleveland from Chicago a couple of years ago, I can certainly say there is a world of difference running deeper than the Great Lakes. I will most likely move somewhere else if need be because that is the shared myopic viewpoint in the organizations around here.
Once one really clears the smoke and mirrors from the excuses they hand out however for reverting back, it completely represents how they feel about human capital. That of ‘your life is owed to the company store’. It is class-ism at it’s finest though, with privilege taking even more control. It’s very disturbing to see happening.
Having worked for Best Buy for five years in the past I can appreciate that not only have they stirred things up in the mid-west/atlantic, but that they are steadfast with ROWE.