Once again we share one of our management to staff communiques, which we believe are a model for other companies and organisations
Now, it’s come to our attention that there have been certain ill-disguised whisperings and feelings about the staff leave arrangements for this Easter Bank Holiday weekend. Specifically-how come only the Editorial Board get Thursday afternoon off? The answer is both simple and complicated.
Firstly, the Thursday before Easter (Maundy Thursday) is an ancient time hallowed custom. So someone has to have time off. Obviously it can’t be everybody , as our productivity figures, already low, would just fall through the floor. So the Board got in consultants, who came up with a scheme based on geography, finance and above all peoples’ real needs. And this is how it works out.
Most of you it turns out live within 5 or ten miles of this building. OK, a couple of you trundle in from places like Kingston or Haywards Heath, but its really not too far to get way when the weekend begins, is it? Whereas we on the Board have our holiday homes in amazingly far-flung places. The Cotswolds. Perigord. Even Tuscany. Of course we need that extra time to get to the airport. And what about at the other end, we have to get to that shop in the village, the one that does that marvellous olive bread, and check the wine cellar, or the weekend’s half-gone. Whereas you lot, in some pub in Croydon-well you’re right on top of it as you stumble out of your little flats.
Each of us needs to understand other people and their different needs and pressures. Clearly we on the Board have somewhat different needs to the rest of you. Easter is a time of understanding. And with the annual salary reviews coming up, we hope you will understand once again.
Learning, Science and Society 