By Alan Graner
The following is based on “What Makes an Inspiring Workplace?” by Jonathan Lansner in the June 4, 2017 edition of the Orange County Register.
Want to create the workplace from hell? Just follow these handy hints.
Hostile environment. Sexism, racism, ageism, inappropriate touching, gross jokes, loud arguments. This isn’t a workplace, it’s a battle zone, one that any sane employee would seek a way out.
Boredom. Work is repetitious, totally without challenges. It may be a dying industry or a failing company with little work. Perhaps management refuses to acknowledge necessary changes. Regardless, every 8-hour workday feels like 14 hours.
Dead end job. There’s no advancement, no future, no incentive to put forth much effort. If you want to get ahead, you have to go elsewhere.
No recognition. Your achievements go unrecognized, unrewarded. No kind words, no “atta girls,” no inspiration to achieve greater heights, to increase productivity, to innovate. It’s as if you don’t exist and your efforts are unappreciated.
Unfair pay. You bring in new accounts or save the company thousands of dollars. Yet there’s o bonus, no salary bump. You’re required to assume extra responsibilities with no pay increase. Or you discover your colleagues make more than you doing the same job because you’re female.
Poor values. Management publishes a lofty mission statement and then sneakily cuts corners, dodges regulations or evades legalities pleading financial or competitive pressures. Or they may simply require you do things that conflict with your ethics and morals. If you complain, you’re fired. If you whistle-blow you’re sued. Either way you’re screwed.
Bad bosses. Your company may have decent upper management but your direct supervisor is an asshole. Maybe he has no people skills or never received any training because it’s too expensive. Maybe he’s sandwiched between stressed-out workers and demands from above. Maybe he’s a sociopath. It doesn’t matter because as a valuable, skilled employee you’ll find a job at another company where you’re appreciated.
What soul-sucking environments have you worked in?
Image: CC0 Public Domain license via Pixabay
Alan Graner is Chief Creative Officer at Daly-Swartz Public Relations, an Orange County, CA business public relations and marketing content firm. For content that makes you stand out from the crowd, email Jeffrey Swartz at jeffreyswartz@dsprel.com. Or visit www.dsprel.com.
