Debunking Workplace Myths

The nervous nellies, the blamers, the finger pointers – you know who I’m talking about.  Those employees/co-workers who display bad behaviors because they are traumatized from previous experience.  You can spot them a mile away.  They are constantly playing the game of CYA. 

It’s sad, really.  Why do employees feel this way at work?  I’ll tell you why – they have terrible, awful managers.  They work under leaders who are mistrusting of their employees.  They exist in a workplace culture of constant fear.  Who wants to live like that?!? 

Managers/leaders – this one is for you.  Those nagging thoughts that run through your mind on a daily basis about how terrible your people are…I’m here to bring you the truth. 

5. If employees are working remote, they’re not working.  I know you’re thinking it.  Many of you have vocalized this to me.  Please listen – it’s just not true.  Stop watching the clock and start focusing on results.  Employee performance and engagement tells the full story; you just have to pay attention. 

4.  We have never had an audit so I’m not worried about legal compliance.  Not so fast.  In all reality, it’s not a random audit that you need to worry about – it’s a disgruntled employee making a phone call.  The younger generations of workers have grown up with smart phones.  If there’s a question, they can research at their fingertips.  Employees who feel wronged will not hesitate to contact appropriate agencies to report employer misconduct.  They can do it anonymously.  Those calls lead to audits and investigations.  Think about it. 

3.  Employment at will rules all.  It’s not a ‘get out of jail free’ card.  Yes, you can terminate employees – but there may be consequences.  ‘Employment at will’ does not prevent wrongful termination claims; positive workplace culture is a more effective strategy. 

2.  Managers have to ensure fairness in the workplace.  Fairness is an interesting concept in the workplace.  Too often, managers fail to act in the spirit of ‘fairness.’  Translation: trying to keep the peace and avoid a difficult conversation.  This is not effective management.  If you’re going to manage people, you have to handle the good and the bad.  It comes with the territory.  Those who are unable should not be managing employees. 

1. It’ll work itself out.  No, no it won’t.  What will happen is you will lose good people.  Whatever issue is going on in your workplace – fix it.  Take action.  Show your people you care.