Generation 2004 tries to give credit where credit is due. We also give constructive feedback where we find that there are systems in place which work against the well-being of all the colleagues who have to interact with those systems. Generation 2004 sees that many front-line colleagues are not given recognition for the work they do and the difference they make. Rigid rules can make life difficult both for those applying those rules and for those who find themselves subject to them.
Generation 2004 proposes the initiation of a program to acknowledge and reward the positive contributions made by colleagues. We aim to celebrate instances where the “human touch” made a tangible difference in the lives of individuals facing challenges within the bureaucratic framework. Inspired by a recent success story shared by one of our members, we’d like to start with the PMO: we propose to have a one-month collection of positive experiences, encouraging you all to find and share testimonials of cases where PMO colleagues found ways to solve the issues you had.
For context, we are currently involved in forums to address known difficulties regarding manageable workloads and new systems at the PMO via concrete action. In the meantime (and in parallel) we turn to the intangible: to the stuff appraisals and statistics don’t capture, the stuff that’s difficult to measure. While we can already send PMO colleagues a smiley as an evaluation of a ticket or ‘Kudos’ messages of thanks (here are examples, feel free to add to them!), we are looking for something a little more in-depth: we can do it with or without names: tell us about a situation where a PMO colleague had a positive impact on a difficult situation.
We start with the example here, where the JSIS/RCAM systems could not cope with a package price for surgery, leaving a €12,500 bill returned on several occasions as €0 reimbursement. The package price meant that it was possible to stay in hospital post-surgery for 3, 4, or 5 days, as needed. There was no discount for staying only 3 days and no additional payment required for staying 5. Consequently, it was not possible to give a price for each night in the hospital. JSIS/RCAM required that each item have a set price and the hospital refused to give a price to something which was flexible and part of a package.
Enormous thanks again to the PMO colleague who said the magic phrase ‘leave it with me’ and who managed to find a way to make this work!!
We acknowledge too that we have criticised the complex and bureaucratic landscape of the PMO without taking enough time to appreciate how much the good functioning of those systems depends on the goodwill of our PMO colleagues. Those same colleagues who have again and again done their best with the resources available to them: those who have found ways to ensure that each of us is able to make use of the (albeit limited) flexibility that exists in order to have at least a partial reimbursement of expenses.
In our bustling professional lives, it’s not every day that we get to celebrate the individuals who make a real difference. We believe that compassionate and empathy deserve to be celebrated: help us to collect and honour the good stories involving our PMO colleagues where they have found ways to make things work!
Whether it’s overcoming bureaucratic hurdles, providing crucial support during challenging times, or simply being a guiding light for a colleague in need – we want to hear about it!
How to Participate:
- Write Your Story: Share your PMO hero story in a brief and synthetic manner. Highlight the challenges faced, the actions taken, and the positive impact on the colleague from PMO.
- Submit Your Story
- Deadline: The submission period will be open for the month of January 2024.
Recognition and awards:
Generation 2004 will organise a panel to review all submissions and select the particularly noteworthy stories for recognition. Selected stories will be featured in our communications, and the colleagues behind the stories will receive special recognition from Generation 2004, irrespective of whether they are members of Generation 2004 or another trade union or have no affiliations.
Depending on the success of this endeavour, Generation 2004 proposes to make this a bigger program to celebrate colleagues, acknowledging their positive contribution.
Let’s come together to celebrate the human touch that makes a real difference in the PMO. Your stories matter, and your colleagues deserve to be recognized.
As always, we appreciate your feedback.
If you appreciate our work, please consider becoming a member of Generation 2004.
