Brilio.net - The phrase "We are family here" may sound warm, but it's not always like that in reality. Many companies use the concept of 'family' to cover up a work culture that is actually toxic . Instead of making them comfortable, employees often feel mentally unhealthy.
Sometimes a toxic work culture is hard to see because it is wrapped in sweet words. Sentences like "we are one family here" can be used as an excuse to demand excessive loyalty, to the point that personal time is not valued. When it's like this, employees often feel burdened and lose the boundaries between work and personal life.
A family culture in the office can be dangerous if it becomes an excuse for unhealthy things. It becomes difficult for employees to refuse work or ask for time off because they are afraid of being said to be disloyal to their family. Over time, pressure like this can cause stress which ultimately makes you mentally unhealthy.
Well, here are 10 signs of a toxic company culture wrapped in the words 'We are family here', beware of making your mental health unhealthy ! brilio.net adapted from various sources, Saturday (2/10)
Signs of a toxic company culture wrapped in the words 'We are family here'
photo: freepik.com/freepik
1. Expectation of overtime work without compensation
'Because we are family', employees are expected to work beyond normal working hours without being paid overtime. Most companies often use family sentiments to force employees to work overtime or even work on weekends.
Worst of all, bosses often contact employees outside of work hours, not wanting to know the condition of the employees as long as the work is done. There are also bosses who always say 'in a family we must help each other' even though that is a way to exploit employee time without commensurate compensation.
2. Constantly being interfered with in personal matters
The boss or HR really likes to take care of the employee's personal life. Starting from asking "When are you getting married?", "Why don't you have children yet?", to reminding "Don't get pregnant yet, there are still many projects." WhatsApp must be read, because "We are family, how can we ignore family chats?" Duh!
3. Don't complain at all
If someone protests or gives criticism, they are immediately labeled as "Not loyal to the family!" Everyone is forced to keep smiling like in a toothpaste commercial, even though they want to scream inside. Their motto: "Good vibes only, guys!" but in reality, there are toxic vibes everywhere.
4. Job descriptions are growing everywhere
You were recruited as a designer, eh, you were asked to handle social media, as well as take care of IT support, then forced to be the MC for an office event. Protest? Immediately get lectured "How can you choose your own family for your job?" Oh dear! A company like this will automatically make you mentally break down.
5. Small salary but big demands
Minimum wage but work expectations are equal to CEO. If you ask for a raise, the answer is "The important thing is that we are happy together! See, every Friday there is pizza together." Sorry, pizza can't pay the motorbike installments, boss!
6. Positions rise based on proximity
Promotion is not because of achievement but because of being diligent in accompanying the karaoke boss or being good at drinking coffee. Those who work hard for years lose to those who are good at personal marketing. The classic reason: "We need someone who can be united with the family." Well, a work environment like this must be avoided.
7. Gossip everywhere
The office becomes like a coffee shop, everyone knows your personal affairs. Starting from household problems to mortgage installments become topics of conversation. "Share with your family!" they said. Even though it's gossip, rather than lingering in a work environment like this, it's better to take steps to resign.
8. Drama queen if someone resigns
Resigning from a job is a drama that is more sensational than soap operas. People call them traitors, ungrateful. "How could you bear to leave your own family?" In fact, when an employee resigns, they should be supported because it is one way to develop their career in the future.
9. Unclear rules
SOP? What's that? All policies are based on the boss's mood. Salary increase? Depends on the zodiac. Conflict issues? Resolved in a "family deliberation" style that ultimately results in the high ranking person winning.
A job that doesn't have a standard operating procedure is really annoying. How could it not be, all the tasks will be delegated to you who have a different job description. In the end, it will become burnout and can even trigger depression in the workplace.
10. Work-life balance? Sorry, I don't know.
Weekends still have to be on standby, group chats are busy 24/7, people always ask about taking time off, "Do you really need a holiday? Isn't the office like your own home." Bruh, your own house isn't like that!
Yup, sometimes there are so many companies that don't care about the welfare of their employees. In fact, when employees feel safe and comfortable in their workplace, it will automatically increase productivity.
Every job has its own challenges, but if it shows signs of toxicity like this, it's better to make a strategy to resign. Trust me, there will be a better place, one that treats workers more humanely.