I'm on unpaid maternity leave (bubs was due yesterday and we're still waiting!) and have been for the last 3 weeks or so and I have, in those 3 weeks, recevied calls from 2 of my work colleagues who I trained in my role!
This is getting quite frustrating for me as I feel as though I taught them everything they needed to know as my replacements... I'm now actually at the point where I'm not wanting to answer my home phone in fear of it being one of them asking me further questions!!
The first couple of times I answered their queries (which really, I had already been through with them during training!) but I am just fed up now!
Are they allowed to do this!?? Am I being unreasonable?
Hearing of others experiences or any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Its a bit annoying isnt it! I remeber the first few weeks whan I started Mat leave my colleges rang me as well.. it wasnt to bad as it was work I had started but needed info so I didnt get time to finish...But I know what you mean about it being annoying! Id just screen your calls and if it is MEGGA important then call back but if not they will figuer it out for them selves! They will have no choice!
No you are not being unreasonable, you are on leave, they need to ask someone at the work place now unless your work want to pay you for your time and you agree top it. You trained them, you have answered a few of their questions, now it is time for you to concentrate on yourself and your bubs.
FWIW My work contacted me to sign something which I didnt mind doing but told them that it would ave to wait until it was a time convenient for me which was a month later but I am entitled to my leave.
I think that is incredibly rude of them.
Surely there is someone else who could help them. Don't be afraid to answer the phone. IF they do call again simply say "look I am sorry your having so much trouble but I am on leave now and am about to have a baby so please stop calling"
Maybe there is someone you can call about it and say " I didn't mind helping with XYZ but I am on leave that means no work, please tell them to no longer disturb me"
Thank you all soo much for your advice ladies!!
I was getting worried that I was over-reacting - all these pregnancy hormones
I will definitely take on board all of your suggestions.
I work with a complete dim wit (being nice about that description!) and she has been working the same amount of time as me. If I call in sick which is NEVER, guaranteed I get a phone call before 9am. I was thrown into my job and had to work things out for myself, and she was the same, but I have had to train her because she has no idea. When I go on mat leave, I am considering changing my mobile number so I don't get stupid questions! Thank the Lord she doesn't realise I have a home phone!
Tell them your doctor says no work stress or contact
I had minimal contact from my work while on leave, just a phone call or two to keep me up to date with people leaving etc.
I'd suggest you ring your boss, or supervisor, and let them know while you'd love to help your doctor has told you that you're not to be exposed to work stress. Nothing major is wrong, you just need rest and relaxation. They can then pass that on to the people who keep calling. Your boss/supervisor may not even be aware they are contacting you.
I've had a bit of contact from work - but at the beginning of each phone call I ask if 'recall to duty' has been approved. Its in my award that if I work I get paid a minimum of 3 hours pay. So I talk 'work' on the phone, or via email for 2 mins, I get paid 3 hours $$!
Yes they have been contacting me...but I have to accept responsibility for that. I didn't start my leave until 38 wks 3 days, and then continued to work at home..until yesterday when I finally decided 'enough!' I have taken everything in to them today & said no more...and they are aware that I am out of it now for at least the next few weeks.
But I had a work phone too, which I have handed in...most of our staff don't have my private number, including my replacement so I don't fear too many calls now.
FWIW I also had issues with my replacement...it got to the point where I have told my boss (who my replacement is working for now) that I can do NO MORE to train or help her, if what I have done & all the instructions I have written aren't enough I can't do anything else...it's up to them now!
maybe you need to do this too?
I don't think it's unreasonable to want your leave to be free from work! but you do have to make it clear to them that that is how it is.
Good luck
Registered User
Is work contacting you!?
when I finally decided 'enough!' I have taken everything in to them today & said no more...and they are aware that I am out of it now for at least the next few weeks.
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