Phone conversation between Ms Suzuki, who has just joined ABC company through CPA, and our recruitment consultant

Recruitment Consultant:
“I heard you received a last-minute business trip request over the weekend. How did it go?”

Ms Suzuki (New Hire at ABC company):
“Yes, I was contacted on Sunday afternoon and asked to be on-site by Monday. It was quite unexpected as I had prior commitments, but I managed to rearrange my schedule and successfully made the trip.”

Recruitment Consultant:
“I’m glad to hear you handled it well. That level of adaptability is surely appreciated. Perhaps it might be helpful to clarify the timing and conditions of business trips for future reference.”

Situations like this demonstrate an employee’s flexibility and adaptability, which are valuable attributes in the workplace. However, frequent last-minute requests can also lead to excessive strain, potentially impacting overall performance. Therefore, when feeling overwhelmed, it is essential to communicate openly and seek guidance when necessary.

From an employer’s perspective, requesting tasks outside an employee’s agreed-upon job description should be approached with transparency and mutual agreement. Clear communication ensures a positive working relationship and can significantly contribute to employee retention, preventing the loss of talented individuals.

For urgent business trip requests, it’s best to give employees as much notice as possible. Additionally, offering necessary support structures or alternative solutions can help maintain productivity while respecting employees’ personal commitments.

While adaptability is undoubtedly a crucial skill, trust and effective communication between employers and employees remain the foundation of a successful working relationship.