For the past 15 years, I have worked within OSU Facilities Management as an energy manager responsible for monitoring utility usage and meter issues within Residential Life. In the process, I have had the opportunity to view numerous work orders, often resulting in either laughter or astonishment.
Facility management personnel encounter so many challenges interpreting or responding to work orders, so I thought I’d take a few minutes to share some of those interesting challenges known as “work orders.” Here is a sampling that I found humorous in the way they were written:
• URGENT: Thermostat does not show Pete’s face.
• AFTER HOURS: Occupant allergic to the shower.
• EMERGENCY: Third toilet; car keys flushed.
• EMERGENCY: Shower has been running all day.
• URGENT: Toilet seat broken and causing discomfort.
• URGENT: Laundry room light flickers severely.
• EMERGENCY: Tile is wet.
• URGENT: Couch has stains repulsive to the residents.
Written by Jenny Cundiff, Energy Manager, Oklahoma State University
“Good communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity.”
~Nat Turner
