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Should You Ask for an Allowance for Doing a Colleague's Job?

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Nyakundi Report

Newsroom 2 min read

This archive report was first published on 25 October 2019.

As the economy struggles, many organizations are looking for ways to cut costs and stay afloat. In this context, a worker finds themselves handling two roles after their colleague goes on leave, and wonders if they should ask for an allowance as compensation.

Published on October 25, 2019, a CEO once shared a mantra that employees should behave like landlords in the workplace, being aware of the organization's performance and contributing to its success.

However, the reality is that some expenses are bound to be cut off the budget. In this case, the tile sales have dwindled over the last few years, and the management has opted to take certain measures to ensure the business remains profitable.

While it's true that several organizations in the country have retrenched employees, you should be grateful that you have a payslip at the end of the month. Things can get worse.

Not all organizations allow employees to be away for lengthy periods, and it's common for managers to share out the responsibilities of a colleague who has proceeded on leave among the other colleagues, instead of hiring a temporary replacement.

Considering your situation, I'd advise you to approach your supervisor and find out if you can get some assistance now that you are handling two roles. If that's not possible, you will have to adapt and make do with the situation at hand.

Be careful not to be viewed as one who always likes to complain even in difficult but temporary situations. Take this as an opportunity to showcase your customer service skills in a challenging environment. This experience might be more beneficial to you in the future rather than the few extra coins you will earn in form of an allowance.

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