AT THE FEET OF THE MOTHER
Ask Alok da

Sir, my home is under construction, and I am not sure how I should talk to the workers when they make mistakes. Some workers make mistakes in a fun or casual way, and some make serious mistakes. I am confused about how I should treat them?🚧🏗️👷🔨

A few days ago, a furniture worker forcefully lifted the tile foam upward in a fun way while laughing. At that time, I was present, and there were bricks and half-fixed tiles nearby that have fallen down. Still, I tried to talk to him politely and without ego, but he did not pay attention and completely ignored me.

I am not sure how I should talk to them. If I speak politely when they make mistakes or even during normal conversation, they think I am a child and that my words do not matter. So how should I talk to them, and what should I say so that they take me seriously?

When speaking to those who are doing a work for you, the stress should be on perfection, on doing the work well. Yes, one should not scold or mistreat those who work with us or for us but that does not mean accepting all kinds of things, especially what can damage the physical objects. Work should be done with care and with an eye on perfection. One can be polite yet firm in stressing upon the point that one wants to convey.

Affectionately,

Alok Da

Follow up : Sir, the workers have caused some expenses by breaking tiles and damaging other things. Should we deduct the amount or ask contractor to buy new. 

In our case, some tiles were broken by the furniture workers, and they also threw the plywood forcefully, which caused many scratches and broke a tile. What should be the right action from our side in this situation?

Surely it is the people who have been careless who must pay for it. Deducting from the worker might not be the right thing since it is the contractor whom one hires. The losses due to damages should be paid by the Contractor. It is upto him to detect from the workers.

Affectionately,

Alok Da

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