DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: My boss has always been on the cheap side, at least for the three years I’ve worked for him, but it has gotten really bad lately. He is having the staff take turns bringing in toilet paper, paper towels, and cleaning supplies. The cleaning crew has been cancelled, and now we’re also in charge of cleaning the kitchen and bathroom on a rotating schedule.
I get everyone is looking to help the bottom line, and the work we do is important and makes me feel like I’m making a difference, but doesn’t this sound like too much cheapness? --- NEXT UP ON NAPKINS
DEAR NEXT UP ON NAPKINS: This situation is sending up big red flags. Your company may be in financial trouble if the cost-cutting is becoming extreme.
A less dire possibility is your boss wants everyone invested in the daily life of the company ─ literally. If everyone knows they’re going to have a turn cleaning the shared areas, hopefully everyone will also be more inclined to take care of their surroundings.
For your sake, I hope it’s option B. Just in case though, you might want to start polishing your resume.