It’s a collection of snapshots from employees showing the workplace absurdities they deal with regularly, if not daily. For better or worse, these individuals have shined a light on how certain companies operate and how people become when placed in leadership positions. Some restrict an employee’s toilet access. Others implement 100-hour work weeks and even engage in illegal surveillance activities (yes, you read that right). And these dumbfounding photos are only a handful of many others. Common violations also vary from state to state in the US. In New Hampshire, the list includes illegal employment of workers under 18, failure to record hours worked, and failure to secure and maintain workers’ compensation. And what was the top predictor of employee attrition during that time? Toxic corporate culture, at 10.4%. Scroll through each one and see if you’ve experienced anything similar. For the most part, you likely have in some form. Salary issues cause resentment toward the employer, which destroys trust, productivity, and, ultimately, the overall working relationship between the employee and the company. It should go without saying, but it seems many people need a little reminding. A 2023 report by Bloomberg Law revealed mounting accusations of violating numerous labor laws against coffee giant Starbucks. The company lost 16 out of 17 cases, eight involving alleged discrimination toward unionizing workers. According to the analysis of judge rulings, the company supposedly told employees who contemplated unionization that their employment conditions would be “up for grabs” or “start from zero.” Another Bloomberg report claimed that Starbucks “illegally” fired 17 union activists. On Starbucks’ Standards of Business Conduct website, the company affirmed its commitment to labor laws, stating, “All partners are entitled to work in an environment that is free of harassment, bullying, and discrimination.” However, these accusations seem to show the opposite. As NYU psychology professor Tessa West explains, “There’s this false dichotomy of if you’re critical, that means you are toxic. Positive feedback? That’s what people want. But nice isn’t always better. Sometimes nice is a cop-out.” In this case, where destructive office culture isn’t outright, here are three of many telltale signs for the employee: constant feelings of being undervalued, the mere thought of work is exhausting, and the Sunday Scaries have become a norm. If so, you’re in a toxic work environment and should likely consider looking at outside opportunities. This is where the lines between passion and logic blur; sometimes, the former will carry more weight. That passion may have also propelled you to enough success and brought you to a position of influence despite how stressful and toxic work can be. If you’re in such a predicament, Thompson advises asking yourself one important question: Is there room for advancement within the company that might allow you to influence the culture (or perhaps take you out of the environment you are in right now)? Answering this should provide clarity. Unfortunately, wage violations are also common in the US. In 2022, Statista’s research department reported 7,948 infractions involving employers failing to pay fair minimum wage. However, while many of these cases end up stagnant, others are huge wins for the employee. In 2021, the court ordered Texas-based software vendor Tyler Technologies to pay its employees more than $3 million as a settlement after facing a class-action lawsuit for improper salaries. In the suit, employees alleged that the company required extra working hours without overtime pay. All’s well that ends well. Carta’s head of inclusion, equity, and impact, Mita Mallick, recently wrote a piece for Harvard Business Review, discussing this particular matter. She urges candidates to ask follow-up questions to clarify any concerns. Here’s an example: if a recruiter says the company has a small team but offers an opportunity to “make an impact,” it could be a sign that they are understaffed and the employees may be overworked. Mallick then encourages asking about how the company budget has changed and whether or not it increased its workforce. Follow Bored Panda on Google News! Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda! Please use high-res photos without watermarks Ooops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.
