Chapter 35
CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR- UNEXPECTED
For the next twenty minutes, the IT workers huddled around Nia’s cleaning cart, excitedly explaining their ideas. They proposed creating a secure, cloud–based database where Nia and her colleagues could input their daily tasks, special requests, and any other relevant Information.
“We could set up automated reports,” the lanky guy suggested. “You know, to show trends over time. Like how many special requests you get each week, or how long certain tasks typically take.”
“And we could add a feature for other departments to leave feedback,” the red–haired woman added. You know, to show how your work impacts them directly.”
As they talked, Nia could see their initial nervousness melting away, replaced by genuine enthusiasm. She found herself getting caught up in their excitement.
“This sounds incredible,” she said when they finished. “But… won’t you get in trouble for helping us?”
The group exchanged glances again. The bearded man shrugged. “Maybe. But it’s the right thing to do. And honestly, we’re tired of seeing good people get pushed around.”
Nia felt a surge of gratitude. “Thank you,” she said softly. “This means more than you know.”
They quickly exchanged contact information, agreeing to meet after hours to start working on the database. As the IT workers headed back to their department, Nia couldn’t help but feel a glimmer of hope. Maybe she wasn’t in this fight alone after all.
The rest of the morning passed in a blur. Nia went about her usual cleaning routine, but her mind was racing with possibilities. The support from the IT department had been unexpected, but incredibly encouraging.
As lunchtime approached, Nia made her way to the cafeteria. She had just sat down with her sandwich when a group of people from the marketing department approached her table
“Mind if we join you?” asked a woman Nia recognized as one of the senior graphic designers.
“Not at all,” Nia replied, gesturing to the empty chairs.
The marketing team sat down, their trays clattering slightly as they arranged themselves around the tablet There was an air of excitement about them, mixed with a touch of nervousness.
“So, Nia,” the graphic designer began, “we’ve been hearing about your efforts to fight the budget cuts. And we’ve got an idea we wanted to run by you.”
Nia raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “I’m listening.”
A young man with a trendy haircut leaned forward. “We were thinking we could help create some Infographics to support your cause. You know, visually represent the data you’ve collected in a way that’s easy for everyone to understand.”
“Infographics?” Nia repeated, her mind whirling. “That. that could be really powerful.”
The graphic designer nodded enthusiastically. “Exactly! We could create, eye–catching visuals that show the impact of the janitorial staff on daily operations, the cost–effectiveness of in–house cleaning versus outsourcing, that kind of thing.”
Another member of the marketing team, a woman with vibrant blue hair, chimed in. “We could even create a series of posters highlighting different aspects of your work. You know, ‘A Day in the Life of Colossius Tech’s Unsung Heroes‘ or something like that.”
Nia felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. The support was incredible, but she couldn’t help worrying about potential consequences. “That all sounds amazing,” she said carefully. “But won’t you get in trouble for helping us?”
CHARTER T ITS FOUR UNEXPECTED CHALLENGES
The marketing team exchanged glances. The graphic designer shrugged. “Maybe. But we believe in what you’re doing. And frankly, we’re tired of seeing hardworking people get the short end of the stick.”
“Besides,” added the blue–haired woman, “this is a chance for us to use our skills for something that really matters. Not just selling products, but making a real difference in people’s lives.”
Nia felt a lump forming’in her throat. She’d never expected this kind of support, especially not from departments she rarely interacted with. “Thank you,” she said softly. “This means more than you know.”