In a peculiar turn of events, an office worker in the UK recently found themselves startled by a note left in their workplace tearoom by their employer. The note, which was carefully typed and laminated, bore the title: “What makes us a team?” and quickly became a topic of discussion on Reddit’s ‘Casual UK’ thread.
The note opened with a bold declaration: “This is not a job, this is a vocation.” This statement set the tone for what followed—a list of attributes that the employer believed made their team great. Among these attributes were expectations that employees should be willing to do “a lot of extra work on our own time” and to always volunteer for events. The note suggested that the employees should derive satisfaction from their work, stating, “We do it for the love not the money,” and emphasized the importance of looking forward to coming to work every day.
The sentiment of camaraderie was palpable as the note described the workplace as a family rather than just a collection of colleagues. It encouraged employees to come to work even when unwell, highlighting the perceived impact of individual absences on the team. The note concluded with a rather stark message: “We do not moan about our aches and pains – that’s life.” This phrase, along with a graphic stating, “Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called passion,” encapsulated the employer’s expectations for the year ahead.
However, the note did not sit well with many employees and Reddit users alike. The suggestion that employees should come to work while sick sparked a wave of criticism. One commenter sarcastically noted that if they were to “cough and splutter around the place,” they could easily spread illness to their colleagues. Another pointed out the irony of pressuring sick staff to come in, which often leads to a larger outbreak of illness within the workplace, ultimately resulting in more sick days lost.
The reactions on Reddit ranged from disbelief to outright anger. Many users highlighted the phrase about being a “family” as a significant red flag, suggesting that such language often masks toxic workplace dynamics. Comments like “Most toxic list ever” and “The emotional blackmail in that one is off the charts” reflected a growing sentiment that the note was more about manipulation than genuine team spirit.
Some users even suggested more drastic actions, such as running away from the situation or defacing the poster. Others proposed creating a counter-poster that listed what employees expect from a good employer, highlighting the imbalance in the expectations set forth by management. The overall consensus was that the note was not only poorly received but also indicative of a larger issue within the workplace culture.
The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between fostering a positive work environment and imposing unrealistic expectations on employees. While many organizations strive to create a sense of belonging and teamwork, it is crucial to ensure that such initiatives do not cross the line into coercion or emotional manipulation. The backlash against the note illustrates the importance of open communication and mutual respect in the workplace, where both employers and employees can thrive without compromising their well-being.
