My Annoying Manager Likes to Have Random Check-Ins While I Work From Home

Your Corporate Black Girl

Nikki,

Like most, I recently transitioned to working from home and my manager likes to have video check-ins each day. The problem is these calls are always at random times, which forces me to stop everything and be available. I know I need to count my blessings but this is annoying, how do I politely and professionally as that I prefer that these calls be at a consistent time?

-Entry-Level in St.Louis, Missouri

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This is always a little bit tricky...

I'm a stickler for a good calendar or meeting invite, COVID-19 or not!  I think it's important to respect people's time, while requiring that they respect mine. 

Have regularly scheduled meetings already been addressed by your manager? There has to be a logical reason why they're doing it at random times each day... whether it's to make sure everyone is engaged throughout the day or maybe they're just as unorganized as the idea of having this done this way, seems... 

I'd like to think there's a method behind the madness but there's nothing wrong with making the suggestion to scheduling the meetings out, to increase productivity and allow you and everyone else to effectively manage their days. If this has already been addressed, I think it's still ok to make the suggestion again and let them know how it's affecting your day.  This is best done in email, depending on your working environment, but making this suggestion via email will allow your manager to have time to think and respond. This may be just what they need to think about their actions.

I would frame this in the form of a question, i.e. would it be ok if we set up a reoccurring meeting/call every day? Setting the time aside every day at the same time will really help me manage my day (tasks, schedule, etc) so that I can be fully effective for our call.

You're addressing the concern by giving them an option and telling them why it could be helpful. Hopefully, they can take this opportunity to explain why, if they can't accommodate this for you.

Good luck, 

Nikki Davis 

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NIKKI

Your curly girl manager, just trying to live her happiest life! 

Wife, new mom, member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. with 11 years industry experience, 6 years of management experience. Manager a team of men in a male dominant industry, while being the only woman on the team. DIY fashion blogger, a self taught seamstress. Owner/Creator of a monthly subscription service, SewConscious.com. 

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