Judgement Test Question 53 – Saturday rota and caring needs

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Read the scenario and rate every action independently. Several actions can receive the same rating.

Practice level: AA and AO

Scenario

Your manager circulates a draft rota for a Saturday public service and asks the team to flag any problems by noon. A colleague's name appears on the rota. They previously told you in confidence that they cannot work Saturdays because of regular caring responsibilities. They have not yet seen the draft and may be away from their computer this morning. You want to prevent an avoidable problem without sharing personal information more widely than necessary. The rota is still being planned, so cover can be changed if the issue is raised promptly and handled with appropriate sensitivity.

Rate the actions

For each action, choose Counterproductive, Ineffective, Fairly Effective or Effective.

Action A

Tell the whole team about the caring responsibilities so everyone understands why the rota must change.

Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective

Action B

Say nothing and assume the colleague will notice the rota before Saturday.

Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective

Action C

Speak privately with the colleague, encourage them to discuss the rota with the manager and offer support with that conversation if needed.

Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective

Action D

Offer to swap your own shift immediately before checking your availability or whether the rota can be changed another way.

Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective

Click to reveal the answer
  • Action A: Counterproductive
  • Action B: Ineffective
  • Action C: Effective
  • Action D: Fairly Effective

Members can unlock the detailed explanation for all four actions, including why each response helps, falls short or makes the situation worse.

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