Blog Open

The blog moderators have decided to reopen this site. Please remember the following rules:

1) Refer to management as "management" instead of using names. No confidential information about customers or other workers. Use your name or other personal information at your own risk.

2) No vulgar language. Intelligent and coherent discussion is more effective than belligerent attacks.

Thanks for your participation. Any questions or comments are welcome at dwscommentbox@gmail.com.

Previous Comments

Anonymous said...
YAY! I am the first one! Finally we got this back!
3/05/2010

Anonymous said...
Is this McDonald's, because I'm lovin it!
3/09/2010

Anonymous said...
Hello - so we get to voice our concerns which is great. Why aren't more people on this blog?
3/12/2010

Anonymous said...
More people aren't on this blog probably because they're afraid they'll get canned. Lets Put it in perspective...Take some people who work at a job in which they regularly rub elbows with folks who are having a hard time in their lives for many reasons. Have these workers decipher the incredible maze of government policy. Lets have these workers deal with people who are more often then not volatile and angry. Now, throw in multiple changes that occur on a daily basis. Now, lets completely change the structure of their work life several times in one year. We'll uproot them and place them in different teams of co workers and supervisors. Now, lets implement a completely new computer system for them to learn. Hmmmm. How about we tighten down the performance expectations imposed on these workers? More? Lets start taking away their job benefits. Well, the economy is down, and the volume of customers is way up. Better decrease the amount of workers working with the people, and give them a higher workload. Lets change the attitude of management from "thankful" to "demanding and/or punitive" (whether real or implied). What you have here is a short description of what the work life of a DWS worker looks like. Are they stressed? You bet! Who wouldn't be? I have had other jobs which are more stressful, and I like my job. However, I predict that when the economy and job market improve, look for a mass exodus of DWS workers to the private sector.
3/13/2010

Anonymous said...
I think this is an amazing idea! Thanks to the creator(s). Many times I have went home frusterated and vented all of these frusterations on my kids and spouse. I love that I now have a place that I can "let these frusterations go" before going home and that I have the support of others that are going through the same stresses. So cheers to a new beginning of leaving our work at work!
3/13/2010

Anonymous said...
When I got the email to join this blog I cried reading it because it expressed my feelings exactly. I have gone through several Antidepressants trying to find one that will help me cope with this job. I have several stress related symptoms including; sleepless worry nights, eye twitches, depression, etc. I love WHAT my job stands for... the idea of helping people and changing their lives is wonderful satisfaction, and is the reason I wanted this job, however the constant pressure of numbers, numbers, numbers, makes it miserable. 40 hours a week is hard enough as is, then to FORCE workers to do 16 hours overtime on the weekend - SERIOUSLY! I honestly feel like I am being murdered very very slowly. The constant pecking on accuracy is aggravating, we all want to be accurate, but when you have phone calls, pop ups, alert lists, task lists, browser lists, emails, and constant online trainings we are working too fast, so fast that YES mistakes will happen... if only we had 2 days per case to look up policy like the PRT. The edits are becoming daunting, as we just don't have the time do the quality that I am sure we all want. I take pride in my work; I strive to be the best in everything. I am honest and have integrity, you will never find me surfing, or on facebook, or playing solitaire when I am on work time, but those that do, can you blame them? We need a stress releasing out. When I applied for welfare several years back I had to plan on making a day of it, packing sack lunches for the kids and spending the day at the office going from interview to interview – these days our customers can apply from home, call from home and never get off the couch... so sorry if they had to be on hold for 20 min while watching Days of Our Lives… we make it so easy for everyone these days that even they the customer are expecting more and more.. No one is grateful for anything… they just expect, it is there given right to this assistance because there, Great Great Grandpa paid his taxes! See now I am getting angry and mean and this is what happens we are so overwhelmed that we forget to be sympathetic with customers. I miss the loving compassionate person I once was!
3/13/2010

Anonymous said...
Remember everyone, under no circumstances should you post here from work. They can and probably will track it. Remember you are never anonymous online when using your work computer.
3/13/2010

Anonymous said...
THIS BLOG HAS NOW BEEN BLOCKED BY THE STATE OF UTAH. ACCESS DENIED!!!!
3/15/2010

Anonymous said...
Thanks for this site. I appreciate your bravery to do it. Could these comments be taken to the governor since they will be ignored or discounted at agency levels?
3/15/2010

Anonymous said...
Like many others I want to say thanks for this site. Has anyone else noticed that you can go to your supervisor with an issue and be told yep I am aware but have no solutions to the issues. We are asked to go to them yet it feels like you are talking to a wall. At first I was all for the changes in the organization however it feels like we are more disconnected as an agency then we ever have been. Changes are needed and I get that but my team alone has had several major health issues because of the amounts of stress and the only solutions is "I need a DR note for your time off."
3/15/2010

Anonymous said...
Thanks!! Honestly - if the economy were better I would quit this job tomorrow. I once loved my jon because each day I was able to provide a person in need with benefits that would as I beleived help them with a temporary situation. It was one way I was able to give back to the community. This is no longer what its about. Honestly I don't know that management is even looking at these people as people rather than numbers. DWS as we knew it has changed.
we are often told "This is a call center" when did this happen? why? Convergys is a call center and when I applied there I didn't have to have a college degree. Everything that I thought DWS/ESD stood for has gone out the window and good workers are leaving because this is no longer a job that they love it is a job that creates major health issues, depression, heart attacks and suicides.
I truly understand what our clients are going through because the economy does make this a really tough time but has DWS considered what they are doing to their employess who are with their clients going through economic times in their own families as well as dealing with or clients economic crises. At the end of the day who is there for us?
3/15/2010

Anonymous said...
I am so thankful for the resolve and pure guts of whoever it is that created this blog. I think it is a long time coming. I've tried sending creative, positive, constructive ideas up the chain of command, but I've been ignored time and time again. The actions of management over the past year have demonstrated their complete and total lack of concern for their "internal customers". I seriously feel that they are using the current state of our economy to maliciously strip down our benefits and pay, knowing that we as employees can't afford to quit out of frustration. I have coworkers who are physically ill because of the enormous stress. Wasn't ESD enough? Now they are going to do the same thing to employment counselors. Something needs to give. I think it is the ultimate example of how little management cares that they blocked this blogspot within the first hour of it's life. I seriously think it's time for us to unionize in order to establish the rights we deserve.
3/15/2010

Anonymous said...
Yikes. I did in fact post here from work. I hope they don't fire me!
3/15/2010

Anonymous said...
Well if they tried, that's what we have the ACLU for. I don't think they could get away with it. They can censor our access at work, but outside of work we still have freedom of speech.
How sad that we have an atmosphere at work that we have to be afraid of having an opinion that disagrees with the powers that be.
3/15/2010

Anonymous said...
Haven't we all spent enough time on the computer at work? Seriously, times are tough. Work is hard. Most in our midst are working hard to solve the problems and get through the changes. Make sure to take your breaks, don't skip lunch and when you leave the office, leave work behind you.
3/15/2010

Anonymous said...
Thanks for the comment, but the law actually states that anything you do on any equipment in the workplace is actually the property of that workplace. They have rules in place governing what their computers are used for. They could actually terminate employment on that basis, regardless of what was posted. Honestly, I don't know what can be done by management to improve morale at DWS now. Changes did have to be made, but the stress level is very high. They need to take a look at dealing with that.
3/15/2010

Anonymous said...
*** SENT TO DWSCOMMENTBOX@GMAIL.COM ***
Wow, you are a courageous fellow. You will be black listed to say the least.
Good luck.
3/15/2010

Anonymous said...
*** SENT TO DWSCOMMENTBOX@GMAIL.COM ***
My main complaint is the phone system. I don't understand why management continues with this failing approach to serve the customer. We have cut our processing time from 40 hours a week to 3 days a month. Indeed, the only real time we are given to process our cases is during the overtime we are encourage to use during our weekend breaks. Seemingly every day we are sent by management statistics, charts and instant messages regarding how far behind our cases are sitting waiting to be processed while we are tied to a phone system helpless to do anything about it. Now, for the first time I would like to provide my own statistics to them.
1st: Management, (those of you who are responsible for coming up with this new phone system approach) you have created a system that was ill conceived and is failing. We need time to process our cases. I am tired of hearing the excuse that our cases have increased, thus the need for more phone calls. That is simply not true. Our caseloads have risen from the 200's to the 300's and should demonstrate the need for more processing. Give us an intake team and a processing team or give us back our own phones and allow us the time to return phone calls if necessary.
2nd: It is commendable but sad that fellow workers through this forum have been the only ones who are throwing us a life raft by giving us a voice. I am so tired of the out of touch manner in which management addresses what is really happening. The "talking ESD" post is a weekly confirmation to me how truly out of touch management is with what is going on. When we are given time to address our concerns in staff meeting, we feel as if we do not matter. We are the ones on the front lines and no one, no one, can claim to know what is truly going on until they take a 10 hour shift of answering phone calls from our customers. Stop sending us statistics we can do nothing to change and start listening to your workers. We have the answers how to fix this. Statistics can be manipulated to fit an agenda. Stop skewing the data and start listening to reason.
3rd: This lack of control is making me physically sick. I dread coming in to work, I hate facing customer's calls and complaints. Nearly 90% of customer's calls are complaints and they are justified in their dissatisfaction. We are helpless to help them because of the time constraint. They are calling to get their case processed. If we do help them immediately we condition them that a phone call speeds up the process. This intermittent form of reinforcement creates the greatest likelihood they will call again stressing the phone queue
beyond capacity.
3/15/2010

Anonymous said...
*** SENT TO DWSCOMMENTBOX@GMAIL.COM ***
Responsibility Not Dependability
In essence a new monster has now been created. Collateral contacts appear to be the norm in the industry. When I go to apply for a loan I don't demand that the bank call my employer to verify my income.
Are we providing customer service? absolutely! BUT NOTHING IN THIS WORLD IS FOR FREE! Which means you must take the initiative to jump through what ever hoops necessary to receive assistance.
Upper management is all smiles and giggles, citing that all is well and change is awesome. Perhaps working in the trenches would help them better appreciate the sacrifices made to accommodate a never ending growing cycle of people petitioning for state assistance.
Or better yet take notice of all the hard working individuals forced (due to stress and new health issues) into retirement who actually knew how to do their job but did not have the energy to re-learn a very complex time consuming computer system.
The sad thing is our jobs are supposedly all about customer service. Yet we have tripled our call waiting times because we invested in this new system that is not even ready and could have been designed at half the cost twice the speed and operated by six year old.
But I don't remember anyone talking to me about how to design it six years ago when I first suggested a better more productive system. I do remember getting laughed at ! and being told it would never work and THAT PACMIS WOULD NEVER CHANGE...
Most employees I know are unhappy and can't stand it when Sunday night rolls around. But keep polling your selected group and then scratch your heads when 5 more retirements come up within a week. And at those individuals who are now in the process of finding other jobs.
I am not a betting man however if the economy was back on its feet and at full steam. I would bet a shiny new penny that 80% of the staff who are actually in the trenches doing this job would gladly hang up their careers and start with something fresh.
What is truly disturbing is this job would be great! and fun!. The only problem is there is too much pressure, too many grey areas, too many varied opinions on policy, too many programs, too many MIND!, too much change too fast.... Sure we want to look cool as the only state to pull all this off in record time and be the backbone of other state funded programs. But at what expense.
3/15/2010

Anonymous said...
True but I think there would be a legal mess they might want to avoid.there are protections for whistle b lowers. But lets be safe and only do this at home. That way you can only be tracked by getting a court order from google. That will never happen.
3/15/2010

Anonymous said...
Thanks for this blog ... and I don't think I could agree more with every single comment thus far.
I am lucky to have a good team, somehow we manage to pull together and get the work done every week. But along with this "achievment" comes a lot of stress and illness. After we get our workload down to the demands of our sup we are not given time to continue to catch up with emails, policy, or our own work. We are "rewarded" by being asked to help other workers or teams who HAVE to be down to 7 days.
Just a few ideas on what I have done for stress since I don't see management making any changes. I have made it a personal goal to be a little selfish when it come to this job. Don't get me wrong when I say this, but this job it is not worth anyone's health, family, and especially life. Please don't push yourself more than you can handle. I refuse to take a phone call until I am done processing and writing notes for the call I just finished. I also delete all statistics sent to me from my sup...they are lies and they do me no good. As impossible as this might sound I even make sure I eat a lunch, and maybe check my personal email. I cannot run faster than I can walk. It makes me sick to my stomach thinking about the physcial effects this job has on some of our workers. If management won't step in and help us out, then we need to learn how to go into "self preservation" mode.
3/15/2010

Anonymous said...
I feel like i am working for the mafia everyday i manage to get myself up and ready to go to work. It is actually quite terrifying.
3/16/2010

Anonymous said...
I used to like my job. But now im so stressed out. After I had been here for a while I have been timely every week. No Im asked weekly to cover someone else to help them. That is my reward. Then I miss a day or take time off and It takes me the next 2 weeks to catch back up, cause no one covered my work, cause there to busy catching up there own stuff. I have been lied to over and over again from my Supervisor that my cases were covered...but they were not. Everytime in staff meeting we bring up issues...we are shot down and told pretty much...IF YOU DON"T LIKE IT, FIND ANOTHER JOB!!!! on my team we have about half that now have health issues...This is just crazy. We are asked to jump on phones but supervisors are playing on internet or talking on there cell phones...Where is the help there. Everyone I know is looking for other work...We are tired, depressed and unhappy...Again it's all about the numbers....They really need to listen to the workers....sadly we can't tell them how we really feel because we get black listed.
3/16/2010

Anonymous said...
*** SENT TO DWSCOMMENTBOX@GMAIL.COM ***
Way to go!! Someone had to create a blog like that. Too bad it's already blocked!
I love my job, I'm grateful to have it, I've been really lucky to have an awesome supervisor and team and we've been able to keep our heads above water, but work is definitely not as fun as it used to be.
3/16/2010

Anonymous said...
I have mixed feelings about this sight.
1) Lack of my knowledge and personal understanding, make me wonder how safe it is to make a comment from my home computer/internet port.
2) An unrealistic belief that my manner of expression or work site observations could be some how connected to my identity.
3) Hope that something commented at this site or read on this site can somehow give strength to a desperate and struggling co-worker.
4) Even more dramatically, that the information here could be effective in notifying anyone that has DWS oversite responsibilities to review the current situation with some debth and see more than the sugar coated, trumped up data that management is presenting.
I'll conclude with my belief that we are all in this together. That attacking each other is an unfortunate outcome of managements plans and no one should take any of their decisions personal, it is not about you or I. We are good enough and we have been given an impossible task that we are constantly told we are inadequately failing to complete.
3/16/2010

Anonymous said...
How great would it be if we could stage a walk out some day with everyone calling in sick on the s ame day and leaving management to deal with the outcomes for a day... It would definately be something that would make the news... Wouldn't it also be great if someone in the news media got a hold of some of the comments on this site, did some research and then reported it to the general public. HHmmm.. I smell a press release going out... who's game?
3/17/2010

Anonymous said...
Great comments all the way around. It's nice knowing that so many others feel the same way. There is nothing illegal about having a site for us workers. Ever heard of freedom of speech. Also since when is it wrong or illegal to tell the truth. Why is it that unless we are so politically correct that we are looked at as wrong. Management shouldn't take anything as an attack. Possibly they should sit down and see what they could do to make things better. There employees are hurting, and looking for ways out. If they wish to state that we all have bad attitudes all I can say is; Attitude reflects leadership. We have been asked to step up as workers and we have. At least they can allow us to let off steam.
3/17/2010

Anonymous said...
I'm glad I don't work for this company! It sounds like these people are terrified of their mannagement. How horrible!
3/17/2010

Anonymous said...
Will comments on this site, which disagree, even be allowed to be posted?
3/17/2010

Anonymous said...
Who's the manager who posted that comment about comments being posted that disagree with the general feeling? I think the workers are pretty much united on the unacceptable work environment that has been created.
3/17/2010

Anonymous said...
I think all of these efforts to streamline and automate have left a major portion of our customers behind. I work upfront and a huge number of our customers (particularly the elderly, handicapped, or mentally ill) don't have the computer skills or mental faculty to navigate through the current process. Our department was created to assist those that desperately need help. I think we're moving away from that mission in a misguided effort to achieve better numbers and more colorful flow charts. It sounds kind of cheesy, but I think we've sold our soul in a mad dash to focus purely on numbers.
3/17/2010

Anonymous said...
I find it interesting that it is the management posting that breaks the first rule by naming names. Rules don't apply to management. (My bad)
One thing that would make this blog worth while is if we could rate management like your rate college professors.
Each Director, Manager, Supervisor could have comments posted for and against. Then as team changes are made we could lobby for or against based on this information.
(Don't for one minute thing that they haven't done the same with us and use someone's anonymous talk to slander our reputations.)
3/18/2010

Anonymous said...
You guys are right that management doesn't want to hear your concerns. I don't even work there but have been a state worker (USTC) before. If your concerns don't mesh with the managers ideals, it gets brushed aside. I've been there. There is favoritism, a concerted effort to put more responsibility on the workers than the managers bear themselves and it's reflected in the attitude of the employees. If you know your manager doesn't think twice about how to make you more effective or create a better work environment, why would you as a state worker put forth the effort to do a good job or make sure you're doing the maximum you possibly can in a given day of work? Anyone seen the movie Office Space? From the sounds of it, that is exactly how DWS is operating.
3/18/2010

Anonymous said...
Don't be fooled into thinking that the management isn't recognizing employee's concerns however.... otherwise, why would they have blocked this blog from public employee access through the government servers? The very fact that you can no longer view this blog at work speaks volumes about the total disregard for employee's point of view in the workplace. Knowing that, why would you even waste your time going to a supervisor, honestly? I've seen insanity defined as performing the same action, time and time again, expecting different results. It appears from what I've read and heard from other employees that taking your concerns to DWS group management time and time again would fit that definition. I will say I know of at least one supervisor at DWS who doesn't buy into the ridiculous requirements bombarded onto the employees and is actually trying to make things better for their group, but thats the only one I've heard of so far, which is really quite sad, as many folks as there are holding management positions at DWS.
From what I am told by people who experience this every day first hand, favoritism does appear to run rampant and only furthers the resentment felt by those working twice as hard and being asked to pick up twice as much slack for those who either just don't care anymore or are content knowing that by befriending their manager, they can skate by while fellow employees will be told to "help out" as opposed to doing their own work.
Also, from being married to a DWS employee, I can assure you that leaving work at work does not happen and can't realistically be expected to happen when you have complete frustration without any work related outlet. This is a good site for employees to vent but something needs to happen in the workplace because the stress, resentment, downright anger in some cases spills over into the home because there is no resolution in the workplace. Instead, the concerns are disregarded, employees are belittled for their concerns or worked harder because they're "making waves" and so the only place they get a release for their feelings is to level them at the folks at home who listen to them EVERY SINGLE DAY! I love my wife, but I hate her job because it is doing nothing but creating tension in the home. If she could get this kind of pay doing something else, I'd tell her to quit in a heartbeat, and that would go for the rest of you as well. Nobody should have to put up with the slave driving and level of disrespect it appears run rampant towards low level employees working the phones at DWS.
I do worry that if the media or the legislature were involved that there would just be a wave of repercussion against the state employees by the managers and directors, but then again, sometimes change comes at a heavy cost. It is clear that there is a large group (I hesitate to say majority because although probably correct, I can't say that for sure) of workers who are entirely unsatisfied with their work environment and the conditions they are being asked to work under so something needs to give. Suicides, work related stress absences, contention in the workplace on an almost daily basis... these are all things that should have been recognized right away as issues needing attention and the fact that some are saying its just because of a new system, or that it'll go away with time are just exposing a reluctance to admit that the waves of employee discontent are in danger of tipping the boat over... unfortunately, I can tell you now that the managers will make sure they are the only ones with life jackets on... its just the way it works in government agencies. Good luck, hopefully somebody that can make a difference will read your concerns and react positively to them, instead of just trying to shut you down.
3/18/2010

Anonymous said...
A woman came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find her 5-year old son waiting for her at the door.
SON: 'Mummy, may I ask you a question?'
MUM: 'Yeah sure, what it is?' replied the woman.
SON: 'Mummy, how much do you make an hour?'
MUM: 'That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?' the woman said angrily.
SON: 'I just want to know. Please tell me .
MUM: 'If you must know, I make $20 an hour.'
SON: 'Oh,' the little boy replied, with his head down.
SON: "Mummy, may I please borrow $5?"
The mother was furious, If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I don't work hard everyday for such childish frivolities.'
The little boy quietly went to his room and shut
the door..
The woman sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's questions.
After about an hour or so, the woman had calmed down, and started to think:
Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $5 , he really didn't ask for money very often.The woman went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door.
'Are you asleep, son?' She asked.
'No Mummy, I'm awake,' replied the boy.
'I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier' said the woman. 'It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the $5 you asked for.'
The little boy sat straight up, smiling. 'Oh, thank you Mummy!' he yelled. Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills.
The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his mother.
'Why do you want more money if you already have some?' the mother grumbled.
'Because I didn't have enough, but now I do,' the little boy replied.
'Mummy, I have $20 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you.'
The mother was crushed. She put her arms around her little son, and she begged for his forgiveness.
It's just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us, those close to our hearts. Do remember to share that $20 worth of your time with someone you love.
If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of hours. But the family & friends we leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives.
3/18/2010

Anonymous said...
The real question is, what would happen if this blog went to the media?
3/18/2010

Anonymous said...
Someone needs to take this to the media. Then, we will be heard.
3/18/2010

Anonymous said...
The media would say "Be grateful you have a job, in a nice building, helping people. If you were in the private sector, you'd be let go. There are millions of citizens in this country who are unemployed....and you are paid to help them." News reporters on major stations are let go every month.
Quit embarrassing yourselves. No one wants you hurt or stressed or with poor health. Learn to control your lives and your work environment. Turn off your computers at home, where you type about how miserable your job is, and go spend time with your family...and give the kid $5 already...
3/18/2010

Anonymous said...
Smart management would not take these frustrations and call the frustrated "expendable". The workers very well may be as described. Another number. These numbers each have their own ideas. Their own frustrations.
Smart management would see the feedback that they are receiving, have intelligent dialogue. Turn that dialogue into solutions. Take those solutions, and put them into action.
You say to take these ideas to management. If a forum like this exists, isn't it a sign that the current system is broken? That it needs to be fixed? Obviously, these people care enough about their jobs. They care enough about the people they are trying to help. They care enough to give you feedback.
The two comments from what I believe are management are only throwing gasoline on an already growing flame. You are breaking rule #2.
3/18/2010

Anonymous said...
I can understand why most people come here. It's mildly entertaining and it is a humorous way to look at the stress of work (that is why Dilbert and "the office are so popular) Some may even venture a comment in hopes of giving a different point of view or a positive spin to employees that are clearly struggling.
What I don't understand are those who have taken offense and lash out anonymously. Are the stresses at work possibly getting to you? Are you feeling quilty? Is it great to say what you think but can't say while you are at work? Do you feel you need to correct the employees foolish enough to post a comment?
Well good luck to you. There is a whole world out there to correct. Have at it. And while your doing it, don't be surprised if you find yourself old, fat, bold and ignored. It manages to happen to us all.
3/18/2010

Anonymous said...
*** REVISED COMMENT DUE TO RULE VIOLATION ***
Ditto to almost everything posted above... i've been here a while and I'm one that used to love my job and all that... Now it seems that our upper management works liek a dictator ship where they all continue to achieve raises and promotions while those of us at the bottom keep getting our **** kicked harder and harder with little or no chance to move up, receive a raise or even keep the benefits we have worked so hard to obtain.
And the bad economy is a cop-out of an excuse for all this... Whoever the Bleeping moron is that thought it was a good idea to spend about a billion bucks on a program that increases our workload by increasing the time it takes to process as well as having a huge learning curve to figure it out all at the same time lowering our accuracy and timliness should be either fired or forced to spend a month in the shoes of a regular worker struggling to keep up so that maybe they can shut the heck up and give us the praise that we soooooo deserve rather than the threats and constant stream on BS that regularly spues from their malignant ****!!!
3/19/2010

Anonymous said...
*** REVISED COMMENT DUE TO RULE VIOLATION ***
I am not at all surprised that this blog exists. I personally know the Deputy Director of Contributions and am a previous employee. Though I worked with employers and investigations of UI claims I never needed assistance until I was fired from my job unfairly. I was just leaving on Long term Disability after not recovering well from a head on car collision 15 months prior. i WAS REQUIRED TO RETURN TO WORK OR LOOSE MY JOB. Being a single parent I believed my supervisors and returned too early. I wasn't back a week before I was written up for substandard work. Heck, I just was hit head-on and not even told that I could apply for long-term disability and receive a portion of my pay for two years. Numbers, numbers and numbers is all they cared about. They even held me responsible for work that was not completed while on FMLA as no one could help do the work because the supervisors had their heads where the sun don't shine.I guess it is a good thing that Utah UI system isn't broke (bankrupt) and they don't have to borrow money to pay foodstamp benefits or Tanf money but one thing Utah tries to hide is the discrimination and favoratism that exists in state employment. One of my colleagues had done far worse than me and still works there in UI and I was fired. But after I had left on LTD but was stopped from officially notifying them of the fact. Likily my attorneys fought the state and I retained accident money and medical and dental insurance for tow years after me leaving but how ironic. I have not re-entered the workforce because my accident left me permanantly disabled. Did they care? HECK NO...you are only going somewhere if you kiss **** and hob knob with the big guys. Many of those big guys drink (alcohol)during work time and have affairs but they are in charge...get use to it or move on...Private employment is far better and more secure than state employment will ever be! Furthermore, don't waste your time joining UPEA, they just rob you of needed money and do nothing for you!!! I know from experience!
Posted by:
Former State Grunt now living in Arizona and trust me Utah beats Arizona hands down on providing needed benefits even though they are killing themselves trying to make stats and all needlessly. They are working in hostile work environments and being treated unfairly actually what management is doing to the eligibility workers boarders on illegal and do they care? Heck no...
3/19/2010

Anonymous said...
*** REVISED COMMENT DUE TO RULE VIOLATION ***
This is the MOST counter-productive action you can take! You're all anonymous, you didn't ask for cooperation or support from DWS management. How do you expect ANYTHING to change, when all you've done is create a ****-and-moan page that no one can reply or respond to? A complete waste of time and energy! Engage with DWS management (not unreasonable), or learn to come to work, do your best and leave it there! We are here to help people the best we can, not to have strokes, heart-attacks, high blood pressure or commit suicide!
If all you want to do is **** and moan, continue posting your flaccid comments here. If you want to improve your work environment, talk to your supervisor, manager, assistant director, or upper management! Get involved in the Employee Connection Team...heck, if you think work is that hellish, go to UPEA, Gephardt, or anyone else you'd like to.
The bottom line is that with an eligibility workforce of almost 700, with only 1 (ONE) person on corrective action, I think ESD management is being pretty flexible and liberal on it's expectations.
As far as data being "fixed," I can assure you, it's not. ESD management knows that the work environment is not ideal. They hope part of it is due to ESD implementation and eREP implementation. Will things be magically utopian come July 1st? Who knows???
I'm not sure how it came about that DWS employees feel a sense of entitlement to an "enjoyable job." There are NO easy jobs in ESD! Imagers, PRT, investigators, overpayment staff, program specialists, supervisors, manager, eligibility specialists...we ALL have hard jobs. Instead of stabbing everyone in the back, why don't we band together and figure out how to fix things. Citizens have been on public assistance for decades, certainly we should have figured it out by now...but we haven't....
Let's focus on figuring it out, making a commitment to helping our fellow humans crawl out of poverty and do it in a caring manner. Let's rely on eachother and ourselves to find intrinsic reward in helping those who are worse off then us. Lastly, come to work, give it your all, laugh, cry, share and get it done.
3/19/2010

Anonymous said...
*** REVISED COMMENT DUE TO RULE VIOLATION ***
I think the first thing management can do to deal with the stress level is to actually acknowledge it. In a recent “Ask ****” question about the new eligibility model not working, she basically danced around the issue, tried to make it sound not as bad as it really is and state how much progress there is with all the changes. But then again, she is going of the numbers which are being manipulated. In other words, switching between after call and aux in on the phones to make it appear call wait times are not as long, closing/clearing tasks/alerts and setting new ones in the future so we appear more caught up than we are, etc, etc, etc. Since we are being constantly told phones are the priority, the actual work of getting our customers their benefits will not be a priority. I truly would hate to be a customer and need our assistance now.
3/19/2010

Anonymous said...
*** REVISED COMMENT DUE TO RULE VIOLATION ***
I whole-heartedly disagree with the previous comment about this website being a waste of time. We've been forced to participate in an independent blog because management shut down the comment box and refuses to accept productive, constructive feedback. The workgroups were a joke! Those who were a part of them have all said that the input that they shared wasn't even a part of the final product. Anyone who has read a single "Ask ****" response knows that she is an expert at using a lot of words to avoid the real issue.
I also find the lack of concern for fellow workers alarming. We are a team and team members care about the mental and emotional health of eachother. When a system is broken and those in charge refuse to put any effort into fixing it, additional measures are needed. I totally agree that this needs to be brought to the media. I would encourage all of you to express your feelings in letters to the editor, get gephardt, or a letter to your senator. This needs to change for the benefit of all, internal and external customers.
3/19/2010

Anonymous said...
What about taking these comments to Gephardt? Or how do we cause someone (who has some actual power to change things) to understand the tremendous stress and deterioration of physical and mental health the vast majority of DWS employees now suffer as evidenced by deaths, including suicide and heart attack.
I care about my fellow coworkers. We are dedicated, compassionate, professional employees; but this job is literally killing some of us and permanently damaging the health and/or relationships of others. That is a sad, sad commentary on a supposedly "human service" agency that is a "model" for other states. What a joke!!
3/19/2010

Anonymous said...
*** REVISED COMMENT DUE TO RULE VIOLATION ***
The post by the member of management is interesting. I have to admit that I have never communicated my distaste for the way things are going now to any member of management. I have never posted to "ask ****". I guess I feel that my comments will just be brushed aside. The management at DWS has committed themselves to changing the way things are done. Most of these changes are untested, and wrong or right, they are causing a great deal of stress on the workforce at DWS. Comments posted here such as talk of unionizing or going to the media are counter productive. They will only discredit this blog and cause management to push back. The problem here is that management has pushed too many changes at once. Workers at first bought into and owned up to the changes, but too much change at one time has caused the workers difficulty at doing their jobs. One thing about the manager's blog that disturbs me. The person posts these words: I'm not sure how it came about that DWS employees feel a sense of entitlement to an "enjoyable job." Well, don't all people want to get a bit of enjoyment or at least a sense of dignity from their jobs? Yes, some of the comments posted here are in my opinion too confrontational, but the bottom line is that the workers just want to be heard. Had Management maybe implemented EREP and ESD at different times, maybe things would be easier to swallow. I don't know. People, voice your concerns to management. Be careful in how you do it. If you sound too bitter, management will brush your opinions aside. I have never been in management at DWS, but have been in management in the private sector. Whenever someone came to me with concerns, I was ready to listen. If they came at me like Mike Tyson, I brushed them off. I figured they were committed to being irrational, and there was no way I could satisfy them.
3/19/2010

Anonymous said...
*** REVISED COMMENT DUE TO RULE VIOLATION ***
If you hate your job so much, WHY do you go home and type on a blog about it? Honestly, does it make you feel better to complain to an empty house? An anonymous blog is just that. Anonymous. It lacks any credibility. We can't tell if it's 7 unhappy employees or 700 unhappy employees. **** and set up a meeting with management. Do you think their jobs are any easier?
Management knows employees are dissatisfied! Do you think it's easy to manage 100-400 employees when they know the work conditions are less than satisfactory? ESD has always touted that they are for "straight talk." So straight talk or get off the pot!
Your management team in ESD used to be Eligibility Specialists. Do you think the job has changed THAT radically that they don't know what you are going through?
We are in a recession. People are suffering and they look to us to help them through. How effective can you be if you are so bitter and angry? Look for the positive in your job, help your fellow employee, give suggestions and follow up. A well-thought-out suggestion WITH SOLUTIONS is always welcome!
It's a cliche, and take it for what it's worth....IF your job is causing you THAT much anxiety and stress, do yourselves a favor and find something that makes you happy. Don't let a job cause you health problems...nothing is worth that! I will mention, however, the last time we had openings in eligibility (what, like 25 openings?) we had 700 applicants.
700 applicants.
Everyone is expendable, from imagers to the Executive Director. Take control of your lives! Do what's right for YOU. Find the bright spots in your work, or move on....
3/19/2010

Anonymous said...
Posted earlier....
"If you hate your job so much, WHY do you go home and type on a blog about it? Honestly, does it make you feel better to complain to an empty house? An anonymous blog is just that. Anonymous. It lacks any credibility. We can't tell if it's 7 unhappy employees or 700 unhappy employees. **** and set up a meeting with management. Do you think their jobs are any easier? "
Clearly a management point of view.... and the thing is, we don't hate our jobs, but we dislike the conditions we are being asked to work under. Its unrealistic, with unattainable goals, and creates a negative work environment when our concerns are disregarded by those we're suppose to go have a "straight talk" with. Is the management job easier? Certainly.... and it only gets easier once you have the backing and support of your employees but it seems that because some of us have concerns about the unrealistic expectations we're supposed to meet every day, week, month or whatever, instead of being open to suggestion, management is more concerned about shutting down the dissenting voices than fixing the problem. Anyone who thinks management doesn't have a cush job hasn't actually been on the outside looking in at what really goes on in management, especially in the government sector. You're only kidding yourself saying they have as hard a job as the people on the front lines. And as far as having 700 applicants for 25 jobs... thats something you're going to hold over our heads to make us bow down and work under whatever conditions you deem appropriate, no matter how poor they may be? Thats a great management perspective.. thanks for your insight.
3/19/2010

Anonymous said...
*** REVISED COMMENT DUE TO RULE VIOLATION ***
I read each comment on this blog with great interest.
I am not a DWS employee, but work closely with DWS senior management. You should know that **** is possibly the most caring person I have ever known. She does care about all of you and your job situations.
I believe I understand what you are all going through. I know it can be hard. Budgets have been cut to the bone. This is not in the fault of DWS' senior management.
Eligibility workers have a very difficult and challenging job. I'm not sure I could handle it and I know I couldn't do it as well as you.
You need to know that DWS and ESD management truly care. Your issues and concerns are discussed daily. They are always looking for ways to improve things. But, the budget and other issues don't allow them to do everything you all think is necessary.
I do not think that this web site is productive because the focus is on the negative. If you focus on the negative - nothing positive will come about. Focus on positive solutions.
Good luck with your jobs.
3/19/2010

Anonymous said...
So the postings from "management" have been really interesting. I read, I listened, I went to my supervisor had a discussion and was laughed at.
Just my own personal experience, often times when I have gone to management with an issue I am told that they will discuss it. In the recent past I went to my supervisors manager to discuss issues and was told that my supervisor doesn't handle things that way or I will talk to your supervisor and see if we can figure something out. This all sounds good. So I recently followed up with these previous issues and was laughed at again.
Maybe management thinks this is all funny - I don't. I have gone to supervisors and managers short of going to ESD/DWS Directors I am not sure what else I am supposed to do. This blog is a place where at least I know I am not alone, I can relate to others posts and see that they do have been going through what I have. This is my first post, and yes I will post anonymously because I need this job.
Workers have stopped going to management because we don't feel like we are heard. And when we have it has created issues with our supervisors or has black listed us all together.
I know that department wide we are all feeling the stresses of our jobs. I also feel that management has forgotten how hard it is for an employee to go to them with an issue and to that employee it is a big issue, sometimes life changing. If the economy was better I am sure several of us would look for other jobs. As for the 700 applicant - HELLO! the economy has crashed of course there are that many applications! Management is right we are all replacable - but we are replacable at additional costs to the state, to tax payers, to clients. Please hang this over my head but last time I checked we were trying to save money; why wouldn't management want to really listen? Let us be heard. Why wouldn't they want to read through this and realize that right now - THIS is the only safe place for employees to be honest and say what they can't at work because tonight they have a family to feed.
Honestly, I hope things get better but expect the worst. Prepare and remember when you answer a call that tomorrow that could be you calling in. We are all in this together and I really hope that management reads these posts and finds solutions quick otherwise they will continue to loose great people and great employees and yes they will replace them at the price of additional tax payer money to do so!
3/19/2010

Anonymous said...
Some interesting posts lately. I have posted on this blog, as I too feel the stress and don't feel that management is in tune with the workers. However, I must admit that I am surprised at how upset some of the workers who posted here are! I am actually glad to see some management post here as well. I have to wonder, has anyone talked to management about their feelings? Not just your supervisor, they are the middle men. I mean management. I sure haven't. What can they do at this point? Do away with ESD? Can you imagine the stress of having to change our structure again to do that? What if they do scrap EREP? In my opinion, Pacmis is antique and needs to be replaced. EREP is the epitomy of user "unfriendly". But what if they scrapped it? I don't think I'd want to be the director who had to explain to the legislature why the millions of dollars spent were just tossed down the toilet. Not to mention converting all of those cases back to Pacmis and starting over. So what can they do? I think they can educate the supervisors. My supervisor is awesome. Every decision this person makes is geared to getting the job done while keeping things as easy on the team as possible, helping them get their jobs done. In talking with people on other teams, it sounds as if some of the supervisors do not see things the same way as mine. Bottom line is, EREP and ESD are here to stay. The attitude and management style of the supervisors can help to alleviate the stress. Micro management will not help, and supervisors should be able to loosen the apron strings a bit.
3/19/2010

Anonymous said...
I am not an employee of DWS. I heard about this blog through a friend, who does work for DWS. I was very surprised to see that your place of employment does not have an upward feedback system where employees can be surveyed on job satisfaction. What drives change in your organization? If the state is wasting money on broken processes and inefficient workflows, why wouldn't management be interested in fixing these? If lower level employees have no channel or outlet to provide documented and tracked feedback, then there is no accountability of upper management to make any changes. I feel bad for all of you, and hope you are all looking for other jobs. Heck, why not figure out a way to leave and start using the benefits you provide to the needy every day? Maybe your management will listen to you if you are a "customer" instead of an "empowered associate". Luck and personal power to every DWS employee. Keep your chins up. I'm sure someone out there who you are helping appreciates you.
3/19/2010

RiverRat77 said...
I read the comment about the DWS sounding like the movie "Office Space" earlier. I will admit, it made me chuckle and I thought this clip would be appropriate here. I know its no laughing matter to any of you, but thought you might appreciate this moment of levity (humor) and would probably to be able to relate to the way the main character, Peter Gibbons, feels about his job.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOJzpeCMJzs
3/19/2010

Anonymous said...
I've never posted anything before, I don't work in Eligibility, but in another area. I have to disagree with anyone who feels by being annonymous isn't the way to go. It is the only way to go because I know in my area if you speak out, or have an opinion that might differ from Management you are beaten down. I also read from what I believe to be Management about how wonderful ESD works. I have to admit I did laugh for awhile. Lets be honest, ESD is for a few in Management to make a name for themselves.
When have any of the front line workers ever had any say in anything. It's for a few to run around patting themselves on the back, or putting out e-mails saying how great things are. That alone tells me they don't have a clue to the real working environment. What did our leader say...if a worker doesn't get with the program just give them a come to Jesus talk. Wow, how sympathetic involving other peoples needs. Too bad our Management can't even treat the Employees as well as they treat the customers.
Also I read a comment about meeting with your supervisor or the Management team. (another good laugh). I'm sure many of us on here have tried that. Isn't the standard answer now. "Nothing I can do". "Can't change that". Maybe when they are pushing us to do more, and more. Maybe we should all say, Nothing I can do. Can't change that.
Last point, All these big changes of positions! Is it just me, or is it like playing with a deck of cards. You just shuffle this deck, and it's still the same deck of cards! Meaning, every single time it's the same people getting the positions, and promotions. I guess for management thats good, because they already know there butt kissers, and will never bring up any new ideas. They will just smile, nod their heads in agreement and look star struck in the presence of certain Management megastars.
As for us on the front lines, don't tell us what to think, or what we can and can't do on our own times. It's not you business to instruct us on our conduct, or opinions, or what we wish to do on our own time at home. You too in Management should be thankful you have a job also. Remember without us, it would be you having to work like a dog, and be treated poorly. So if you can't take any critism possibly your not management material.
3/19/2010

Anonymous said...
There is obviously a member of management posting comments here. Who else would know the number of applicants that applied for the 25 positions, or the number of ESD workers on corrective action. I wish they would actually process the information on this blog and make some positive changes. I have tried every imaginable pathway to express some of the concerns I have. I have been blocked and pushed down everytime. I initially did this out of a sense of loyalty and care for an institution that I valued. I think it has only served to make me look like a malcontent. I seriously doubt I will ever get promoted. I've started to look for work elsewhere.
3/19/2010

blockparty2 said...
If DWS was a part of the private sector, then I think some of the comments about us just quieting down and doing our jobs would be valid. As it is a government institution, the management of DWS is responsible to the taxpayers for the decisions they make and the failure/success that comes as a result. Since all employees are taxpayers, we are entitled to the freedom to question how this department is run. That's why it scares me to see the dictatorial nature of our leadership. Management is accountable for their actions. Ignoring us and telling us to be thankful we have a job is completely inappropriate. The callous nature of upper management needs to change.
3/19/2010

Anonymous said...
I always thought Supervisors, and Upper Management had another job responsibility. That was to help the employees below them. To help others become successful, and Yes, to help make their jobs better. I think this state group appear to only be out for themselves. I'm not a DWS Employee, but i'm appalled at what must be going on. When the workers can only find one outlet like this, it's a very sad, sad commentary on the lack of leadership. From what I've been reading they still are not listening, they are only lecturing "down" to the workers still. Shame on those in Management who have so little skills and decency to talk to to people who are reaching out. Is this how they treat those coming into the offices for help also?? Wow, I think the Governor needs to take a serious look at whats steering the ship here.
3/19/2010

Anonymous said...
First visit to the blog...
I feel saddened as an employee that life at DWS has come to such a world. I've had several different jobs over the course of 18 years with the State and we have certainly had our ups and downs. I remember when staff were not even allowed to give any feedback, and I also remember recent days, having the Executive Director sit in my cubicle and chat with me. I told her about my stress, she listened and even said, she too has stress and understands how I feel. I have felt like some of you, on occasion. But, I guess I have never felt like it's the end or the sky is falling.
So here is my challenge...
Change what you control-
Let go of that which you can't -
Trust your leaders AND
Speek to them like I spoke to her.
She will listen. She is blind and has her own challenges. She may not be able to solve all of your problems, but she will listen.
Remember...The grass is always greener on the other side!
Peace and love to you all. I hope you find your happy place!
3/20/2010

Anonymous said...
I work for a law firm, and I would fire every one of the workers that have griped on this site. You are not deserving of my tax payer dollars and you are proof that State employees are lazy and cannot make it in the real world. No wonder your Department has budget issues, you guys and ladies care more about your feelings, than working and actually focusing on the task at hand.
Go to Gephardt, in fact maybe I will and ask for my tax money back.
You all should leave, and find jobs in the real world. Like I said, you would be fired (and maybe you already were before finding your little hideaway at the State).
Sounds like mommy and daddy actually made you work and not color all day, so you are just so so so sad now.
I will defend the State against toads like you!
Good heck!
3/20/2010

misunderstood said...
To the previous blogger who attacked state workers for being "lazy"...
I wish you could live a day in our lives. You're obviously commenting on a situation you know nothing about. I would go as far as to say that the people I work with are some of the hardest working people I've ever met. It's because of our care for the stewardship of tax dollars that we are speaking out. The current system is not a feasible model. I'm a taxpayer too. I feel that the changes that have been made hurt our customers and DWS employees. That's why I blog. I hope you can develope a little sympathy for the plight of workers who you don't know, going through a situation you know nothing about.
3/20/2010

Anonymous said...
Here's to the law firm guy..If you do feel that way about your tax dollars going to state employees. By all means ask for them back. You did pay taxes didn't you??? Better yet, go have another drink!
3/20/2010

Anonymous said...
Your comments make absolutely no sense. I don't drink, but thanks for the idea! I think most of you in here on something. You need to wake up to the real world. Put down the prozac and other pills you are popping to get you by. Go find a life and quit squabbling over something you can never change.
That's right, people! You can complain all you want, but employers (even the State), have the right, to run a busines how they see fit. Get with it or get out. There are millions that will do a job, for the job it is and then go home to their lives! You all need to realize that.
3/20/2010

Anonymous said...
I agree! My friend sent me this site. You guys need to realize you work for an employer, it's not up to you to make all the decisions and if your voices mattered you would be in a position to be a decision maker.
3/20/2010

Anonymous said...
15 days up and 60 comments. feel bad for those of you that don't seem to feel connected to your supervisor and/or manager. how many of you have actually asked to sit down with your supervisor and/or manager and talk about these concerns. i know that every time i have a concern they listen and i see results fairly quickly, seems to be a benefit that i've enjoyed with esd (fast turn-around with problem solving). we'll good luck everyone, hope you find comfort in this blog.
3/20/2010

monkeyman said...
I'm glad that some people have supervisors that listen and take action. I think this is an extremely rare situation. I've only had the opposite experience. I've only dealt with supervisors who were afraid to rock the boat. Obviously everyone is looking to move up and I feel that most don't want to cause an unfavorable ripple. I experienced this a lot around the time that ESD was first implemented. All supervisors had to reapply for their jobs so naturally they didn't want to do anything to jeapordize that. I think that is a feeling that has carried over to today.
3/20/2010

snausages said...
I think some of the bloggers on this site don't understand that we are voicing our opinions because we care about our coworkers and the customers we serve. We aren't simply whining. A lot of the changes that DWS is experiencing make it harder for customers to get benefits and for us to serve them. I have personally tried to voice my opinions to supervisors and upper management, but I have been routinely ignored. As taxpayers, employees of DWS have just as much right to speak up against government institutions as our customers. DWS is responsible to all taxpayers. It is a different environment than the private sector. As citizens of the United States we have a right to voice our opinions pertaining to a government institution that isn't functioning correctly.
3/24/2010

Anonymous said...
someone told me this site was no longer accepting comments. is that true?
3/25/2010

Anonymous said...
I was told that as of 3/20/10 we were unable to post anymore on this site....Nice to see that isnt true.
3/25/2010

Anonymous said...
I think there is a misconception out there that state workers are lazy and don't do anything all day. As a state worker I can attest that this is not the case. I work my fanny off everyday and get a lot done. Anyone who has worked in government at some point in their live realizes that the regulations and laws slow everything down. Because of the complicated processes, I think state workers are held to blame for the slow-moving government machine.
3/26/2010

Anonymous said...
I've never worked for a social service agency where management so blatently ignored the suggestions, frustrations and desperations of their front line workers. "Customer Service"??? Heck, I'm just trying to keep my job. With this multitude of retirements we are literally watching years of knowledge and experience walk right out our doors. I feel like I'm working for a credit card company - chop shop work - and not really helping anyone anymore.
3/26/2010

Anonymous said...
Hello,
I don't know who you are or the role that you played in the blog, but I want to thank you for your efforts. The blog has been a place for employees to share their frustration of work with each other without fear. I know from experiences of those close to me and of others that this is not possible in the workplace.
I am saddened to see that the comments have disabled from the blog, possibly permamently. I sincerely hope that there was not pressure exerted from an outside source that forced that comments be disabled and that it is only due to technical issues, If pressure is being felt from someone outside of those who contribute to the blog, please carefully consider the source and the motivation of that pressure. Don't succumb to the same unethical demands that have been placed on us in the workplace. Many of us look up and admire you and what your efforts mean. Once again, thank you for the blog and please fill us in on what is the state of the blog and the future of it.
Fellow state employee
3/27/2010

Anonymous said...
I'm an ordinary eligibility specialist with years of experience. I don't think management has really screwed everything up as badly as the consensus would have it. The biggest problem is eRep, and that money was thrown away years ago. It's the only thing the legislature ever wants to know about from DWS. Frankly, the money could have been better spent training more people to maintain PACMIS. That said, the change has been made and we have to learn to live with it.
The staggering volume of phone calls is caused by two things: people trying to talk to us instead of turn in their dang verifs, and everybody and their dog applying cause the economy sucks. The first is nothing new (and you can get those people off the phone pretty fast), and the second is temporary.
I'm getting the sense from the comments here that different people have very different experiences. Call wait times are up and lots of workers are behind on alerts and tasks, but I haven't felt pressure or criticism from my supervisor or manager. Everybody wishes things were better, but I feel that on my team we're being treated with patience and understanding. I feel bad for those who are receiving worse treatment. If your own supervisor sucks and doesn't respond to the personal approach, maybe it's time to go over his/her head. Not all the supervisors are acting like that, so "pressure from above" is not a legitimate excuse.
3/29/2010

Anonymous said...
"Pressure from above" may not be a legitimate excuse on your team but I have a family member who works for DWS. My family member is being HARRASSED from their supervisor. I have personally gotten supervisors in trouble for the same treatment in the private sector. I am watching my family member who has previously not had any health problems start to have some and becoming more depressed. It really sucks from a family members point of view. Maybe you could tell us what team you work on and everyone could try to get on that team. Good luck to you all.
3/29/2010

Anonymous said...
When I say "pressure from above" is not a legitimate excuse, I mean for the supervisors. Nobody's making them act like that, or they all would be.
3/30/2010

butterboy said...
I don't feel that it is fair to say that "pressure from above" is non existant. In some workers' eyes it may be, but just because you don't feel the pressure personally doesn't mean that it doesn't exist. In my opinion, I would say that more people are being ignored than listened to. I think it is crazy to try to implement a huge change like this and then not listen to the people who are doing the work. I just attended a meeting with our regional manager. From his point of view everything was going perfectly... then he compared the success to how well UI works. Anyone who has had to deal with UI knows how broken that system is. This proves to me that management is completely out of touch with workers. Unfortunately, I feel that our customers are suffering more than we are. I work face to face with customers everyday and our customer service is a joke now. They all get the run around.
3/30/2010

Anonymous said...
I've noticed that there haven't been anymore new comments. I think everyone thinks that this blog has been shut down. I'm kind of sad about it because I feel it was a good way to vent.
4/06/2010

Anonymous said...
I've worked very successfully in the private sector including in management and other positions. I've also worked for state government for 15 years. I've worked in virtually every type of position at DWS and I can state to anyone (including management who posts here as well as someone from a law firm that is offended by our attitude and "waste" of tax payer dollars)that without exception the toughest job I have ever experienced in my entire work career of 30 years is doing eligibility work in ESD under current conditions at DWS.
But never mind what I think, as management says we "just need to improve our attitude."
Management is always into number, so let's look at a few pieces of objective feedback:
1. It is a given fact that DWS stress-related medical claims outdistance most other state agencies. The only other agency exhibiting as much stress as ours is Dept of Corrections. (This data came both from the director of Healthy Utah and a mental health counselor who does contractual work counseling stressed-out state employees.) There are employees suffering elevated blood pressure, diabetes onset, heart problems or heart attacks, depression, shingles, etc. One physician specialist in Salt Lake City, who has had DWS employees come from various parts of the state for treatment, has also commented on this deteriorating health trend.
2. I've had a worker at Utah State Retirement Systems tell me that they are repeatedly hearing feedback from virtually all DWS employees seeking early retirement that the reason they're leaving early is due to DWS work conditions.
3. I've had someone in payroll volunteer information that they are seeing deaths of DWS employees due to stress including heart attack and suicide.
For members of management and outside bloggers who are posting here, I can categorically state that DWS does have very poor work conditions. Try walking a mile in our shoes before you actually judge. Look at the data and let it speak for itself.
It really is pretty simple for me to change my attitude. Here's what would help me with that adjustment: I'd like to see every single person in DWS senior management and ESD management share in our work experience for one month. Some of you may have done eligibilty before, but it is a given that you never worked eligibility under our current conditions when workloads have doubled, phone time has tripled at least, processing time has been cut down to about 10 hours per week, and eREP work time has tripled what it took us to do in PACMIS. So let's just give each one of you a giant sized caseload that matches that of each of us and also give you regular phone shift coverage assignments and just let you do eligibility for one month. I'm not asking any more than that.
Then, after you have clearly demonstrated to me the nifty tricks to do at least 5 times the work that used to happen when you did eligibility in previous years, I will happily follow your example. You won't need to lecture me anymore.
JUST SHOW ME HOW TO DO IT AND I'LL GLADLY FOLLOW AND QUIT READING COMMENTS ON THIS BLOG. BUT UNTIL YOU CAN ACTUALLY DEMONSTRATE TO ME, BY YOUR OWN EXPERT AND SUPERIOR SKILLS, HOW THIS CAN BE DONE, THEN DON'T LECTURE ME ANYMORE ON THIS BLOG. YOU'RE IGNORING WHAT IS THE ACTUAL PROBLEM AND IT IS A SIGN OF DYSFUNCTIONAL MANAGEMENT TO LECTURE ABOUT ATTITUDE WHETHER ON THE INTRANET OR SNEAKING IN A MANAGEMENT COMMENT ON THIS BLOG.
4/07/2010

Anonymous said...
And now folks, we have a PCN enrollment coming up! Hmmmm, phone time? Hmmmm, processing times...as if things weren't harsh enough already. Well, I suppose we must all do as the Budha...live in the moment and do the best we can to not think of how behind and impossible it will be to try to stay decently caught up (so as to not have more phone calls) and not worry about what needs doing tomorrow. all together now....oommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. (Me Budha? you Budha? we all Budha?)
4/11/2010

Anonymous said...
Budha? I dunno...I just had my caseload almost doubled this past week. I'm not feeling da Budha! But don't you worry! Management knows what we are going through. After all, the job hasn't changed at all since they did it!
4/11/2010

Anonymous said...
I for one have not had a problem keeping up with my 300 cases, phone calls and helping my team keep up. I have taken advantage of the overtime that was offered. I have not felt sorry for myself. There are several people in my office that have also been caught up on work and helped other people. I think things are getting better, I wish pacmis would go away. I am not a member of management, just a peon who comes to work and gives it all I have in the time I am at work. I know that a lot of you have suffered and I am trying to help as much as I can. I want all of us to be successful as a department. I dont agree with many of the things that management is doing but I am trying my best to make things work.
4/11/2010

Anonymous said...
It's the whole "make rash decisions and then deal with the consequences later" thing. There is no thought when it comes to these changes. They made all of our customers change their usernames to email addresses. I promise you that it didn't even occur to any of them that most of our customers are uneducated and computer illiterate. Who is going to teach them how to create an email account?
4/12/2010

Anonymous said...
Another week with 3 more retirements, so far. Tell me, where can I sign up!
4/12/2010