Unfortunately, it’s not very uncommon for employers to expect or even insist that employees come in on their days off or without getting paid. Well, probably many of you will agree that people work to get paid, so coming into work just because the manager failed to organize an efficient schedule or they just need help won’t make employees very happy.
Well, this Reddit user found himself in a similar situation after his coworker demanded he come to work for a few minutes every day on weekends unpaid because he lives nearby.
More info: Reddit
Most working people will say the same - never do work you are not paid to do
Image credits: Yan Krukau (not the actual photo)
Man shares that his employer is asking him to come to work every single day, even on his days off, without getting paid so he can check the temperature of their freezer
Image credits: Quintin Gellar (not the actual photo)
He added that they don’t want to buy a wireless transmitter and instead they want him to do it for free
Image credits: Andrea Piacquadio (not the actual photo)
Later he posted an update sharing that the person requesting it is not even his boss, but very much acts like she is
Image credits: u/Frankieanime158
He also noted that this exact coworker is a nightmare, who always gossips and gaslights him
A few days ago, one Reddit user shared his story online with the r/mildlyinfuriating community, stating that his coworker is demanding that he come in to work for a few minutes every day during weekends unpaid because he lives only a few minutes away. The story caught a lot of attention and received 11K upvotes and almost 700 comments.
The original poster (OP) rants online that despite living a few minutes away, he would still need to spend around 30 minutes every day, on his day off, and to work for free. He added that the company doesn’t want to spend money on a wireless transmitter for the temperature and wants him to do it for free. Obviously, he noted that he isn’t planning on doing that.
Later on, OP posted an update sharing that the person requesting that he do that isn’t even his boss - just a coworker who acts like she is. He also informed the CEO about it and shared that a few hours later, another staff member came down with a remote temperature monitor and was testing it out. OP also noted that this coworker is a nightmare, who gossips and gaslights him.
Community members shared their similar situations in the comments and told readers to never do work that they are not paid to do. “Don’t do it. Or do it for a couple months and hit them with a labor claim. Depending on your state could be more lucrative,” one user suggested. “No way. Not only is it wrong to ask you to do it for free, but it is taking away your personal time,” another said.
Image credits: Peter Klauss (not the actual photo)
Let’s talk a little bit about unpaid work - sometimes employees are willing to do some jobs without getting paid as it’s ‘not hard to help’ and also, many people still choose unpaid internships in order to get some experience. Well, in fact, Jobs and Careers noted that according to an online poll, 45% responded that work experience is potentially more important than being paid.
Moreover, while many people would undoubtedly consider going unpaid, just to get some job experience, it may even be unlawful in some circumstances. While volunteers are not obligated to be paid by their employers, everyone who is considered a worker is entitled to the national minimum wage.
Now, noticing your coworkers gossiping not only may make you feel bad, but also harm the whole work environment and decrease job satisfaction. Indeed states that any activity that fosters a hostile work environment, including workplace gossip, can have unfavorable effects. It might diminish someone's sense of comfort or trust at work and make them feel unsupported.
So while there are different opinions on when unpaid work is okay and when you shouldn’t agree to it, most folks online agreed that in this case, there is no way OP should agree to it. But what is your take on this situation? Share your thoughts below!
Redditors shared their suggestions and told the person not to do any unpaid work
