An Adventure In Futility

I had an argument with our Admin section at work on Friday. Now, I never intended to spend a lot of time here talking about work - my life is more than that (honest, believe it or not) - but it got me so frustrated it clouded my afternoon and kept me thinking about it during the evening, that I felt I had to write it down to clear it out of my head. So, please bear with me on this one ...

The suppliers of one of the systems that I administer asked if it was possible for me to send them a copy of the data that the user department is currently using so that they've got an up-to-date version in case of any system issues. That way, they are able to diagnose any issues easier and, so, provide a speedy and specific solution. It's something I've done before, and the user department are more than happy for this to happen as, in the long run, it helps them to provide a constant, consistent service for the populace of this fair city. Anyway, I dropped the data onto a CD and went down to Admin to ask for suitable packaging for the transport.

I asked for a new, unused, padded envelope. I'd seen that there was a box of used ones (i.e. ones that had been used to send things into the department) nearby, but they were (in my opinion) not fit for use. I would have had to either try and cover the front with sticky labels to hide the previous address/postage details, or rip the details off. That way, I would have, most probably, damaged the envelope totally beyond use. So, I asked for this new envelope.

I was told that they didn't have any, didn't stock any, and I should use one of those previously used ones. I questioned what kind of professional image that would give? The other option was for me to get some petty cash and go buy one. I couldn't quite believe what I was hearing.

In disbelief I went back to my desk and emailed the Admin Manager to question this policy and asked what kind of image we were portraying to our customers if we had to look like poor relations and use tatty stationery? As there were plenty of regular envelopes in stock, I asked how much trouble it would be to keep even a few padded ones on site?

The reply I got was quite staggering. It was pointed out that, because of the umpteen hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of budget cuts that were being made to the department, any saving was welcome! What pissed me off was that the reply started with one of those 'stock' phrases that are supposed to be supportive and understanding, but actually means, "Like I give a shit!" It started, "I accept what you say ..."

I was told that, if a new one was required then, although it's not an issue, I should get one via petty cash.

With the same attitude, my response started with, "As the phrase goes, I hear what you say." I pointed out that I'd had to delay getting the CD out because a £1 envelope was not available, and that I was going to have to take time out of my personal time (i.e. over lunch) to go and get the envelope, package up the CD, and get ready for Admin to arrange for its posting before the end of today. Having a few in stock would have allowed me to get this 15 minute job out of the way early this morning. I questioned their policy again and said, "Maybe I should just use the tatty envelopes in future. I'll just have to ensure I apologise to the customer that, although it appears that I don't give a damn about the quality of the packaging I use, I really do care but I that this council takes recycling to the limit regardless."

I got the envelope - which cost 40p, by the way - and got the CD packed up and ready by 2pm. I got a frosty reception when I took it down. Haha. I'm going to have to go down there tomorrow to ask for the delivery receipt.