Workplace dilemma

[dick dastardly]

Am stuck with a bit of an issue at work and was wondering whether any of you have been in a similar position or have any good advice.

Basically I work in a small company which is family run. Before Christmas there was a big family falling out and some people are no longer colleagues. The number of people here is down to the bare minimum needed to survive (IMO).

I was chatting to one of my colleagues yesterday who is responsible for all customer support. He's had enough because his work load has doubled and his only friend in the company has left, and so is talking about going too.

This is where my dilemma stands. Should I tell the MD about this or keep my nose out of it?

The case to tell:
- If he leaves then the company will be in the crap. I don't want this to happen as my job would be at risk.
- The MD may bring in someone new to help him out which would certainly be a plus, both long and short term.

The case not to tell:
This guy ain't the most proactive or charismatic. There is a good chance that he can't be arsed to look for a job for a while and even if he gets a few interviews then he would have to be lucky to pass one.
Also, what if I told the MD and he brought it up to my colleague? The guy would never trust me again.

I did have a long list of reasons when I thought this through on the way into work, I'll post the others when they come back to me.

What would you do?

[Plotloss]

Dont say a word.

Companies do not generally rely on one person, he may seem important or think he is important but in the overall scheme of things he isnt.

[bigandclever]

IMO speak to the boss about what they plan to do to cater for the reduction in headcount - presumably they can see that workloads will have increased for everyone left?
I can't see that there's anything to be gained by telling your boss that people are thinking of leaving.

[Big Al.]

You could always talk to your MD about the future workloads etc. and drop in the "WHAT IF" scenario. i.e. what if this guy or that guy left. Does he have a contingency plan and how would it affect the remainder of the staff.

[dick dastardly]

Unfortunately he is the programmer who wrote all of one of our main products and the only person who knows how it works. Our IT (programming & support) team has gone from 4 to 2 people and without him it would be a right mess. When he has days off it is absolutely hectic and customers can go a bit crazy as no one else can help.

I have pointed out to my boss that resources are stretched but his attitude is more the wait until something happens before doing anything kind. I just hope that when it does happen it isn't too late.

I'll keep zipped for now.

[Davel]

If you do talk to the MD, don't mention your colleague's thoughts.

If he has concerns or issues, that's for him to raise directly and you won't be thanked for saying anything.

[Angelis]

Start looking for a new job as a back up.

Low moral, family bust up........future does'nt look too good for the business.