Ode to Employees: Mirror mirror on the wall…who’s the real problem?

Whilemost blog posts are aimed at employers, managers, and/or HR professionals, thisis one is for the employees. 

Everyday you wake up and you go to work.  And everyday you have to make the decision if you are on that’s employer’s bus or not.  Are you in or out? 

Irecently had an employee who contacted me after a confrontation with hissupervisor.  He was using terms like ‘hostilework environment’ and ‘age discrimination.’ We met in person to discuss his concerns.  About 15 minutes into the conversation, Icould tell what this guy’s problem was – he didn’t like his employer.  He didn’t agree with the decisions made bymanagement, he didn’t like how operations were handled, nothing was good enoughfor him.  There had truly been noegregious action taken against him; no red flags were waving.  This man simply did not like where he worked,and he was spending a lot of time and energy letting everyone know it.  Quite a waste. 

Sometimescompanies do things that drive its employees crazy.  Decisions are made that make no sense.  Leaders are getting in their own way anddon’t see it.  It’s exhausting andfrustrating.  However, company leadersand owners are allowed to run their organizations as they see fit.  Outside of any illegal practices, businesseshave the right to make decisions and institute practices they deem necessaryfor the operation.  While employees maynot agree with what’s being done, they have to decide if they can live with itor not. 

Asan employee, you should absolutely voice concerns.  You should take the appropriate steps in arespectful manner.  But you also have toface the reality that, despite your best efforts, your concerns may not be validated.  The company may decide that their chosen pathis best and they will continue to steer the course.   How you respond to that is key.

Gossiping,holding parking lot conversations, posting on social media, and any otheractivities aimed at stirring the pot are not effective.  It’s unproductive and childish.  It’s also a waste of your time andenergy.  Be the bigger person – riseabove and ask yourself if you want to continue in this environment or not.  Not all companies and employees are a goodfit for each other. 

Iknow it’s frustrating to be in a place you despise.  And finding a new job isn’t a piece of cake –it takes time and effort.  But onceyou’ve made the decision that your current employer is not a fit for you, youhave to play the game until you’re able to make a move.  Grin and bear it.  Don’t get swept up in drama in theworkplace.  And be cautious – employershave every right to discipline and terminate employees who are detrimental tothe business. 

Sowhat happened with my disgruntled employee? Like any good HR professional, I felt it was my duty to bring hisdisengagement to his attention.  I toldhim that he appeared to be very unhappy with his employer and that he mightwant to re-focus his efforts on finding a better fit.  I even offered to help with his resume.  I sent him links to relevant job postings (hedescribed his ideal job to me and I jumped on it!)  He thanked me for my candor and support.  But you know how it goes – the workplacedrama can overtake common sense.  Afterseveral more instances of gossiping to co-workers and refusing to followdirections, he was terminated.  He wastoxic to the organization. 

Ihonestly hope and pray he finds his perfect fit.  I wish this for every employee.  Life is too short to waste time beingmiserable at work.