Why do people do this?!

I've been a surgical technologist for a while now, and one question that always pops into my head, especially during those busy shifts, is 'Why do people call in when they see their assignment?' Seriously, it's a common frustration in the operating room, and I'm sure many of you in similar demanding fields can relate. It's not just about covering a shift; it's about the complex dynamics of workplace behavior. It's easy to get upset when a colleague mysteriously calls out, leaving you to pick up the slack. My initial reaction is often annoyance, thinking, 'why do people do this?!' But over time, I've tried to understand the different types of behavior that lead to this. It’s rarely as simple as someone just being lazy. Often, there are deeper reasons. One major reason I've observed is burnout. The OR is high-stress, fast-paced, and emotionally draining. Sometimes, what seems like avoiding an assignment is actually a plea for a mental health day. People might genuinely feel overwhelmed, and that particular assignment might be the last straw. This is a complex behavior example where the immediate action (calling out) is a symptom of a larger issue. We often see these patterns, and it makes you question their motives meaning in job – are they trying to shirk responsibility, or are they genuinely struggling? It’s hard to tell from the outside. Another factor might be a lack of confidence or proper training for a specific task. Imagine seeing an assignment pop up for a highly specialized or difficult surgery you haven't done in ages, or feel unprepared for. The fear of making a mistake, or simply not performing well, can be paralyzing. For some, calling in might seem like the lesser of two evils compared to facing that anxiety head-on. It's an unusual behaviour that stems from insecurity. Then there are personal issues. We all have lives outside the hospital, and sometimes those lives spill over. Family emergencies, personal stress, or health issues (even minor ones) can make it impossible to focus on a demanding OR assignment. While it might feel like they're playing with the team's feelings, sometimes they're just trying to cope themselves. It reminds me of the sentiment 'kisi ki feelings se mat khelo' – it's not always about intentionally hurting others, but sometimes our actions, even if self-preservative, have consequences for the team. Of course, there are also instances where it does seem like someone is genuinely trying to avoid work or isn't a team player. That's frustrating, and it impacts team morale significantly. When one person consistently calls in when they see a challenging assignment, it erodes trust and can breed resentment among those who are left to manage the increased workload. This type of behavior is particularly damaging because it feels disrespectful to everyone else's commitment. So, what have I learned from all this? First, empathy, even when it's hard. While I can't excuse chronic absence or a lack of accountability, trying to understand the potential underlying reasons helps me manage my own frustration. Second, clear communication is essential, both from leadership and among team members. If someone is struggling, having an open channel to discuss it before it reaches the point of calling out is crucial. Third, for myself, I focus on being prepared and doing my best. If a colleague calls out, I remind myself that I can only control my own actions and attitude. Ultimately, navigating workplace behaviour in the OR is a continuous learning curve. These incidents make us question, analyze, and sometimes just vent! But by reflecting on these complex behavior examples and trying to understand the different types of behavior, we can hopefully build stronger, more resilient teams, even when someone doesn't show up for their assignment.