I have a team member that will leave at 5:00 pm every day, even when situations call for more work to be done afterwards. He works very hard when he's there, never comes in late, and he's a salaried employee. He is valuable to the project, but he also causes heartache when he refuses to stay a little late for a task that needs to be addressed right then. I've been asked by several members of the team to replace him. He knows his skills are vital to the project, and he uses it against the team and the company. His skills won't easily be replaced if I let him go, but he does just as much damage and he does good at times. I've tried talking to him, but he refuses to listen. Is there a good way to handle this situation? Saving Changes...
Anish AbrahamPrivacy Program Manager| University of WashingtonAuburn, Wa, United States
In my experience,for some team members job will always come after their own family. They also worry about starting a new job with this mentality, because they may have to stay late. Anyway communication is key, so try and see whether he can work on a different schedule depending on the need. Saving Changes...
Do you know his personal reason for not being able to stay beyond 5:00 PM? Is it possible that he has other things going on that might prevent him from working beyond 5:00 PM? I don't think you should let him go. However, take the extra time to see how you can help him not to have to leave at 5:00 PM or do a hybrid work schedule for him. For example, there might be assistance for him from HR or other company tools that might help him with work life balance. He might be carpooling, have a sick person at home, etc. Take the approach of how to help him which in term will help your project. But keep in mind that you may do all these things and it turns out that he just doesn't want to be involve with your team. Saving Changes...
Mohamed AmerConstruction Manager| Shapiro CMNew York, Ny, United States
As you said
"He works very hard" -------------------------------------------------- Wonderful
"He is valuable to the project"--------------------------------------- Perfect.
"He is Salaried" --------------------------------------------------------- Situation both agreed upon.
"he refuses to stay a little late" -------------------------------------- That is his right.
"I've been asked by several members to replace him" ------- Not their responsibility
"His skills won't easily be replaced if I let him go" --------- Then, WHY YOU LET HIM GO?
It seems there is no Chemistry between "you and other members" and "him" .. i suggest trying the following:
1- Provide overtime for "after 5" work.
2- Try Team Building activities, to break barriers between all team members.
3- Try to motivate this person to help others.
4- Promote him. Saving Changes...
I believe the most important issue here is Communication. If the employee is efficient and is doing all his work then he may even be more productive than the other team members. Time spent at work is not a metric for performance - effectiveness is. Establishing trust with key people is very important. For some people a pat on the back or a thankyou card is more motivating than monetary benefit. Saving Changes...
John HowardPM I| Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.Ada, Ok, United States
I agree with Sergio and Thomas above. This person may have valid reasons for leaving work on time. The team should set expectations - but communication among team members is critical to avoid conflicts. Saving Changes...
Aries SuarioProject Manager | Registered Architect | LEED Green Associate| Oxspring AssociatesDubai, United Arab Emirates
I have to agree with Sergio....you may also refer to Tuckman Model of team development and be more positive about the situation. Our role most likely is to keep everybody look good and successful in every way possible, so Sante's and Sachin's comment is gold. Saving Changes...
Consider the alternative - he works extra hours all the time until he completely burns out. You lose him and the entire organization loses him too because he will quit.
I like that he is protecting his personal time and feel that more people should do the same. Most people that put in extra hours spend more time but are less productive. I'd prefer an employee that works efficiently and effectively for the hours he/she puts in than an employee that works at 50-75% capacity for 50+ hours. Saving Changes...
Adolfo JaramilloInternational Development Law OrganisationEysins, Switzerland
I would like to know the story from the team member perspective. There might be a reason not to work extra time, which is missing in your story. Also, what the employee contract says about working hours and extra time. Trying to be impartial here... Saving Changes...
Wendy BrokawExecutive Director, Project Managment| PPD, a part of Thermo Fisher ScientificHarwood, Md, United States
Have a conversation with him to understand if there are circumstances dictating that he leave at 5pm, or as others have stated, simply a work/life balance priority. Is there a possibility for him to work from home to complete any urgent tasks? Rather than replacing a team member, I would look for alternate ways to make this work for all.
Working on the discord among your team should also be something you delve into, to understand. There could be trouble brewing if you don't address it. Best of luck to you. Saving Changes...
Wade HarshmanScrum Master| GDITIndianapolis, In, United States
"He is valuable to the project, but he also causes heartache when he refuses to stay a little late for a task that needs to be addressed right then."
As a project manager, you rarely have the authority to choose or manage your team.
Let's address what you -can- and -should- control. Why do you have suddenly urgent tasks that need to be immediately addressed after normal work hours? Perhaps your project plan needs to be reviewed, or perhaps your team needs to adjust their working agreements so predecessor tasks aren't being "thrown over the wall" at 5:00 pm.
This team member reminds me of the popular "Always leave the office on time" list. "Work is a never ending process. It can never be completed. If you fall in your life, neither your boss nor client will offer you a helping hand; your family and friends will."
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/really-alwa...ndrew-mcgregor/ Saving Changes...
