Managerial Workplace Question

[GirlySports]

Ok a scenario...

You manage two data entry girls. Girl A keys twice as fast as Girl B.
They both work on documents out of the same box/tray.

As manager, do you expect Girl A to do twice as much work as Girl B everyday?

Unfortunately yes. But hopefully:

a) she's being paid accordingly
b)you're attempting to train girl b to become more proficiebt in her skills so she can one day be as fast as girl a

[Bertuzzied]

I think i saw this scenario in Schindler's list.

[burn_this_city]

Ride the producer until she gets demoralized by the pace of the slacker.

[speede5]

Which one is better looking?

[awildermode]

pictures?

[GirlySports]

It's not about slacking, that's a different issue. But if you have say 10 people doing the same work, they'll all be at different levels.

In this scenario, both Girl A and Girl B get paid the same.

[Yeah_Baby]

You'd hope that Girl A would want to do the best job possible. Hence would be okay with more work if capable. However if they see Girl B as inferior and think she is rewarded with less work for 'slacking' you might have a problem is they are paid the same. Maybe you could discuss this with Girl A?

[awildermode]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

It's not about slacking, that's a different issue. But if you have say 10 people doing the same work, they'll all be at different levels.

In this scenario, both Girl A and Girl B get paid the same.

then the manager needs to give girl A a raise/promotion. give here some other responsibilities to justify.

...and take pictures

[GirlySports]

In this scenario, both girls look the same. Consider them twins.

[Yeah_Baby]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

In this scenario, both girls look the same. Consider them twins.

Wait, two hot twins professionally dressed, side by side, doing data doing data entry? Sounds like the start of a porno.

[GreenTeaFrapp]

I think Girl A could find solace in the fact that when the company looks to downsize Girl B will be downsized before Girl A.

[Russic]

I would be very concerned that girl A would notice what is going on and adjust her output/work satisfaction accordingly. I would meet with girl A and reward her with something. If not a raise perhaps every other Friday off or something.

[bomber317]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

In this scenario, both girls look the same. Consider them twins.

lol, that comment probably makes this board want MORE pics then less.

possibility of "hot twins"

But as a manager, I'd say you do factor in that girl A does work more efficiently and will frown on her if she performs below par.

If I were girl A, I would definitely defend myself if the manager brought up that I wasn't working as effectively as I was in the beginning.

Need a tactful touch though. Don't want to appear as a complainer.

[ken0042]

Why not split the box in two? Let girl B see that she is so far behind A.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by bomber317

lol, that comment probably makes this board want MORE pics then less.

possibility of "hot twins"

But as a manager, I'd say you do factor in that girl A does work more efficiently and will frown on her if she performs below par.

If I were girl A, I would definitely defend myself if the manager brought up that I wasn't working as effectively as I was in the beginning.

Need a tactful touch though. Don't want to appear as a complainer.

But 'par' is not the same level.

[Yeah_Baby]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

But 'par' is not the same level.

Exactly. And as you stated, in terms of their jobs they are equal. Girl A is just better at her job. Do you think Girl A has realized this?

[WilsonFourTwo]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

Ok a scenario...

You manage two data entry girls. Girl A keys twice as fast as Girl B.
They both work on documents out of the same box/tray.

As manager, do you expect Girl A to do twice as much work as Girl B everyday?

I would say no. Data entry environments (in my mind/experience) are a team environment, with the goal of getting the team's work done.

The real questions I would be asking myself first (as the manager).

1. Is the difference in output a result of weak work effort, or are both people simply working to their respective capacity?
2. Is there any resentment/arguing about "Who gets what done" each day?
3. Are there any obstacles (training, better equipment/processes, additional duties) that are hurting 'Girl B' and her productivity?

It probably wouldn't hurt to have "a coffee" the girls. Don't do it one-on-one at this point, make it a team effort. Tell them you're looking for ways to make things quicker/easier/less stressful and want their input on what's already working and what isn't. I guarantee that if there are any roadblocks (and your staff is honest), you'll learn something useful.

At the end of the day, remember this (hard earned) piece of advice. The NUMBER ONE DUTY of a Manager is to set their staff up for success.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by WilsonFourTwo

I1. Is the difference in output a result of weak work effort, or are both people simply working to their respective capacity?
2. Is there any resentment/arguing about "Who gets what done" each day?
3. Are there any obstacles (training, better equipment/processes, additional duties) that are hurting 'Girl B' and her productivity?

In this scenario.

1. Girl A takes more breaks, is on the phone more and still completes more work than Girl B
2. not yet
3. nope

[mykalberta]

Are either of them temps or on contract or are both actual employees?

If they are both temps or contract simply offer girl A a full time position when the contract runs out and dont offer it to girl B.

Also try to find out the real reason for the work difference. Have IT log both girls surfing time to see if B maybe wastes more time at her desk when you simply dont notice. Or is it that girl B is significantly older than girl A? Maybe their computer skills differ so much that girl A knows more tricks on how to complete the work faster that girl B etc etc.