I work in clinical genetics and having a double monitor would be incredibly helpful. I’ve asked my boss for a monitor several times (probably 3 or 4 times, if my memory serves me right- these were verbal requests so I don’t have emails) when I first started working (I’ve been there just over two years now) and he would always respond, “yes me too, I’ve been asking for several years now.” His response implied he has gone through IT, without any success. Side note- knowing him, he probably never actually requested for a double monitor for himself, and he probably said this to push away my request.
After a year there with no luck, I brought my own monitor in, which was about $340. I don’t know too much about setting up a double monitor and figured there might be extra security things since it is a hospital system, and so I asked IT to help. An email was sent indicating that I “already have a monitor” and just need assistance connecting it properly.
The IT guy comes in (let’s call him Frank) and accidentally drops the monitor, and when we turn it on, there’s a giant streak of bright pink and black, non-functioning pixels near the side that first made impact with the surface it was dropped on. He was apologetic and I have no problem with him, accidents happen.
He offered to let his department know so that they could get a new one. I don’t hear anything for several weeks and so I email Frank for updates, and he asks me to email his manager, who we will call Bill. I email Bill directly and get a response saying the whole thing has been escalated to HR and that the incident has “created a huge issue”, but that they will order a replacement. The reason it created a huge issue is because I used my own monitor rather than one supplied and approved by the IT department. Apparently since this wasn’t an approved device, Frank shouldn’t have attempted installation and they didn’t want to be responsible for it. That was 6 months ago. Since then, I have had several small emails back and forth (such as emailing pictures) and a several additional confirmations that the monitor would be ordered and one from three months ago saying “it will be ordered today.”
I emailed Bill twice over the past 3 weeks with no response. He didn’t have an “out of office” email response so I’m pretty sure he’s not on vacation. I have yet to see a replacement.
I really would like the monitor replaced or reimbursed, but I’m worried that if I escalate it, I’ll end up in trouble since I apparently should never have attempted to use my own, unapproved device (they claim security risks as a threat, which I understand). But since their HR already knows about the issue and I have several emails confirming they would replace it, I should be ok?
As a side note I’ve been “quiet quitting” for a bunch of other reasons and I’m worried that they will look for excuses to fire me, which plays a role here.
Thanks in advance for your help!