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Profit versus people is an age-old debate in which the latter doesn’t usually stand a chance. In capitalism, money is often the main concern of most corporations. Meanwhile, employees are viewed as an expense to be cut in order to make even more earnings. 

This sad yet true reality is often shared by people on the r/antiwork subreddit. We at Bored Panda have gathered some of the most bizarre notes and messages from workplaces that show how scary late-stage capitalism has become. From needing a doctor’s note to eat to taking employees' tips, scroll down to find instances where unemployment might sound more enticing than whatever these workplaces are offering.

While you're at it, don't forget to check out a conversation with Darren A. Smith​​​​, chief executive officer of Making Business Matter, who kindly agreed to answer a few of our questions.

#1

Ever Since I Have Found Stability In My Career, I Feel More Empowered To Respond To Recruiters Like This:

Ever Since I Have Found Stability In My Career, I Feel More Empowered To Respond To Recruiters Like This:

trippyyhippy Report

#2

Sad That People Need To Be Reminded Of This

Sad That People Need To Be Reminded Of This

indianplayers Report

#3

And Some Have Super Yachts While Their Employees Are Drowning

And Some Have Super Yachts While Their Employees Are Drowning

Redmannn-red-3248 Report

In 2023, soft-skills training company Making Business Matter (MBM) conducted a study trying to find where businesses put their focus—people or profit. 

The aim was to find out if organizations that publicly state caring for their employees are telling the truth. They also tried to reveal if companies are really making the proper investment in the development and well-being of their employees.

In the report, the researchers claim that they chose such a particular focus because it hasn’t been done before. Interestingly enough, they are the first to bring these facts to light by looking at publicly available annual reports. 

#4

I've Been Giving Employers A Piece Of My Mind

I've Been Giving Employers A Piece Of My Mind

Affectionate_Okra298 Report

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#5

Makes Me Even More Mad If Possible. What Do You Think?

Makes Me Even More Mad If Possible. What Do You Think?

Catiline64 Report

#6

We All Know About "Shrinkflation". Can I Coin The Term, "Trickflation"?

We All Know About "Shrinkflation". Can I Coin The Term, "Trickflation"?

inasimplerhyme Report

We were lucky enough to get in contact with Darren A. Smith​​​​, chief executive officer of Making Business Matter, who told Bored Panda, "Our People vs. Profit report analyzed the top 100 global companies’ annual reports and showed that 76 companies mentioned profit words more than people words.

Only 16 companies mentioned more people than profit words. Roche Holdings was #1 with a ratio of 1:0.3, which means that for every people they mention, they only mention profit 0.3 times. At the other end of the scale, #100 was Samsung, which had a ratio of 1:7.1, which means that for every person they mention, they mention profit 7.1 times."

#7

85 Degree Bakery Enabled Tips On Their Point Of Sale Devices. Tips Don’t Go To Workers; You’re Just Giving The Company More Money

85 Degree Bakery Enabled Tips On Their Point Of Sale Devices. Tips Don’t Go To Workers; You’re Just Giving The Company More Money

MightyTribble Report

#8

Paramedic

Paramedic

Physical-Way188 Report

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#9

Popular Sandwich Chain Had This Tip Sign

Popular Sandwich Chain Had This Tip Sign

shibbyman342 Report

Their main finding was that “85 out of 100 companies focus more on profit than people in their annual reports, even in today’s climate of emphasizing employee happiness.” Well-being and mental issues are some of the aspects that organizations are simply glossing over in their yearly reviews, with 21 businesses not mentioning these keywords in their documents at all.

#10

17-Year-Old Employee Ends Up In Er Before Scheduled Shift, Her Mother And Grandmother Both Call In On Her Behalf. Still Gets Fired For Not Personally Calling In.

17-Year-Old Employee Ends Up In Er Before Scheduled Shift, Her Mother And Grandmother Both Call In On Her Behalf. Still Gets Fired For Not Personally Calling In.

UnsupervisedMink Report

#11

Am I Wrong To Be Irritated By This?

Am I Wrong To Be Irritated By This?

bluebrindleivy Report

#12

Boss Wrote “Thief” On My Check

Boss Wrote “Thief” On My Check

"Filed a wage theft report against my former employer, was told he only paid 80% of what was owned, but I sucked it up. When I picked up the check at the Department of Labor, it had 'THIEF' boldly written on the subject line. Super awkward, unfair, and embarrassing, especially with others witnessing it. Is there anything that can be done?"

OriginalNotice7957 Report

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They also revealed a common disparity between the values that the companies publicly communicate and those their annual report focuses on. “A key example of this is Toyota, which claims ‘Kaizen’ as one of their core values, meaning ‘continuous improvements’, and yet has a total of zero learning mentions,” the study writes.

#13

My House Burned Down Two Months Ago, And I'm In A Fight With The Insurance Company. My Neighbour Has Concerns

My House Burned Down Two Months Ago, And I'm In A Fight With The Insurance Company. My Neighbour Has Concerns

Southern_Activity177 Report

#14

Over 14,000 California Disney Workers Authorize Strike

Over 14,000 California Disney Workers Authorize Strike

AnonBard18 Report

#15

Employees Need A Doctor's Note To Eat At Work

Employees Need A Doctor's Note To Eat At Work

MiladyWillDo Report

The main takeaway from this study is quite clear: most businesses agree, at least on the surface, that people are an important asset of any company. However, too few are willing to apply this logic to their policies and daily management. Instead of putting employees and their well-being first, they often look for short-term solutions like slashing labor costs, office expenses, etc.

#16

Found On Facebook

Found On Facebook

Due_Recording6357 Report

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#17

And This Is Just In One State

And This Is Just In One State

Kit-tiga Report

#18

Do I File A Wage Theft Claim?

Do I File A Wage Theft Claim?

GeneralMills420 Report

Businesses that solely focus on the numbers forget that it's the people who make those figures happen. "A ‘numbers business’ becomes very transactional, treating their people like just another resource, and eventually the company loses its reason for being. As Simon Sinek would say, ‘the why’. Why do we do this?

Because money is a way of keeping score, not a reason. Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald’s, didn’t start because he wanted to make a profit, though it was a welcome bonus, no doubt. He started McDonald’s because he wanted to give the customer a consistent hamburger," says Smith.  

#19

This Sign Was Posted In A Popeyes Next To The Customer Restrooms

This Sign Was Posted In A Popeyes Next To The Customer Restrooms

Ironthumb Report

#20

My Husband Is An Repair Technician Working On Their Fridge

My Husband Is An Repair Technician Working On Their Fridge

GilbertTheCrunch Report

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#21

Came Into Work This Morning To Find This Taped To The Wall. Boss Went On Tirade Against Me And Co-Worker Yesterday For Taking To Each Other With No Customers In The Store

Came Into Work This Morning To Find This Taped To The Wall. Boss Went On Tirade Against Me And Co-Worker Yesterday For Taking To Each Other With No Customers In The Store

MrHatesThisWebsite Report

Sadly, many companies have proven that it's possible to have a sustainable business that focuses on profit over people. "Samsung might be a case in point," Smith tells us. "A business such as that will consistently win by having something else. In Samsung’s case, they may not have a focus on people, but they do focus on profit through innovative designs and diversification."

#22

Is This Allowed

Is This Allowed

generaljustin3 Report

However, "for most businesses, a path of focusing on profit over people is usually a short one because it is the companies that treat their people well, have a people culture, and develop their people, that attract the best people. Not the ones who pay the most, and this is becoming ever more important with the new generations," Smith reassures us.

#23

Dollar General Management With An Inspiring Message To Staff

Dollar General Management With An Inspiring Message To Staff

Whadyagot Report

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#24

We Got A New District Manager

We Got A New District Manager

Remote-Acadia4581 Report

But there is a way companies can be profitable and compassionate at the same time. In fact, as Smith mentioned, businesses that thrive tend to be the ones that embrace this idea. A Gallup study has found that by prioritizing employee well-being and offering competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, work-life balance initiatives, growth opportunities, and encouraging open communication, companies can see 21% higher profitability. Other benefits include lower turnover, better customer service, and a reduced risk of safety incidents.

#25

When My Grandfather Passed Away, My Boss Asked For A Funeral Note. Wtf Is A Funeral Note?

When My Grandfather Passed Away, My Boss Asked For A Funeral Note. Wtf Is A Funeral Note?

snaresht Report

#26

Injury At Work

Injury At Work

petalios Report

#27

How Legal Is This?

How Legal Is This?

notnaturalcas Report

Smith believes that what companies can do to value their staff more is to start by asking for their opinions. "But act on what you receive," he warns. "It’s worse to ask and do nothing than to ask and implement something."

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He also adds, "Train line managers to give feedback regularly. Not just ‘well done’ but add the why. ‘You did well today because’. It is the way that makes the difference. If people know what and why they did well, they’ll do more of it."

#28

A Note From Management When I Used To Work Here

A Note From Management When I Used To Work Here

jayzval Report

Lastly, he recommends, "Offer all staff development programs that achieve behavioral changes. Not one-day training courses because they deliver now. Programs that change people’s behaviors for the better."

#29

Employer Complains On Facebook About Casual Employee Taking Time Off For Birthdays

Employer Complains On Facebook About Casual Employee Taking Time Off For Birthdays

TonyAbbottMHR Report

#30

Those Pesky Workers

Those Pesky Workers

Only-Reach-3938 Report

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#31

How Does Alex Manage To Be On Call On A Weekend Away??

How Does Alex Manage To Be On Call On A Weekend Away??

geomachina Report

#32

Note Posted At Job…

Note Posted At Job…

term1nallycapr1c1ous Report

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#33

Place I Worked For A Month

Place I Worked For A Month

tortilini-houdini Report

#34

The “Suggested Tips” Section On The Receipt From The Hipster Bar We Were Just At

The “Suggested Tips” Section On The Receipt From The Hipster Bar We Were Just At

NineDayOldDiarrhea Report

#35

Someone Keeps On Flipping The Sign In The Supermarket

Someone Keeps On Flipping The Sign In The Supermarket

danielsuperone Report

#36

Navigating Malicious Compliance: Share Your Stories

Navigating Malicious Compliance: Share Your Stories

sinful_olive Report

#37

I Got A Raise 4 Months Ago And It Is Finally Implemented

I Got A Raise 4 Months Ago And It Is Finally Implemented

bjmendy Report

#38

Look At This

Look At This

Sunyata666 Report

#39

Ez Stop In Kinsley, Ks Still Pays Poverty Wages

Ez Stop In Kinsley, Ks Still Pays Poverty Wages

Kramit2012 Report

#40

Fun Giant Eagle Memory

Fun Giant Eagle Memory

RapidMongrel Report

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#41

“Time Theft”

“Time Theft”

DeathlessQuotient Report

#42

Kroger Requires Full Time Workers To Have Open Availability

Kroger Requires Full Time Workers To Have Open Availability

AwesomeManatee Report

#43

An Owner Put This Up For The Workers

An Owner Put This Up For The Workers

Chance_Ad_3886 Report

#44

Found This On A Door While Waiting For A Table At A Restaurant With My Family

Found This On A Door While Waiting For A Table At A Restaurant With My Family

The_truth_may_hurt Report

#45

“Please Check-In On Your Poor, Struggling Ceos…”

“Please Check-In On Your Poor, Struggling Ceos…”

missy498 Report

#46

Owner Of The Spa I Used To Work At Responds To A Review Left By A Client Who Is Upset That The Massage Therapists Are Forced To Rely On Tips

Owner Of The Spa I Used To Work At Responds To A Review Left By A Client Who Is Upset That The Massage Therapists Are Forced To Rely On Tips

user94896267348 Report

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#47

Is This Even Legal? (Must Be Flexible 12 Hr Days)

Is This Even Legal? (Must Be Flexible 12 Hr Days)

bossamemucho Report

#48

Hospital Has Money For Bs But Not Safe Staffing

Hospital Has Money For Bs But Not Safe Staffing

Golden_dumpster Report

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#49

The Job Hunt Has Been Exhausting And I'm So Tired Of These Type Of Descriptions

The Job Hunt Has Been Exhausting And I'm So Tired Of These Type Of Descriptions

Purple_Apartment Report

#50

"Instead Of Paying Your Waiter/Waitress Their Expected Wage, Donate To Charity!" I Barely Get Tips Because Of This

"Instead Of Paying Your Waiter/Waitress Their Expected Wage, Donate To Charity!" I Barely Get Tips Because Of This

PhoonTFDB Report

#51

Posted By A Facebook Friend. 6 Months Of Mandatory Overtime??? She’s Also Pregnant With A 1 Year Old At Home

Posted By A Facebook Friend. 6 Months Of Mandatory Overtime??? She’s Also Pregnant With A 1 Year Old At Home

jodamnboi Report

#52

This Is A Bad Sign…

This Is A Bad Sign…

bluebrindleivy Report

#53

"Up To" $13.00 An Hour

"Up To" $13.00 An Hour

tartcore814 Report

#54

Fulltime And Get Complaints Of Me Taking Care Of Work. Funny Thing Is I Didn't Go Over 40 Hours

Fulltime And Get Complaints Of Me Taking Care Of Work. Funny Thing Is I Didn't Go Over 40 Hours

Ambient117 Report

#55

No Details

No Details

xbrittxbratx Report

#56

I Found This Note In The Elevator At My Hotel

I Found This Note In The Elevator At My Hotel

iroczcamaro22 Report

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#57

If The Sign With Arrows Is Not Clear Enough, How Bout The Big Hamper?

If The Sign With Arrows Is Not Clear Enough, How Bout The Big Hamper?

doi11 Report

#58

Absolute Jerk

Absolute Jerk

reddit.com Report

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#59

Lying To Populate On More Ppls Searches. Hybrid Remote Pool Cleaning?

Lying To Populate On More Ppls Searches. Hybrid Remote Pool Cleaning?

Legen_unfiltered Report

#60

Ah, Yes, What A Wonderful Array Of Benefits. (Boredom So Browsing Indeed.)

Ah, Yes, What A Wonderful Array Of Benefits. (Boredom So Browsing Indeed.)

Quitemui Report

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#61

Thought This Was Funny

Thought This Was Funny

WavyDafoe Report

#62

Crazy Neighbor Gets Mad At Friend For Dropping A Single Strand Of Hair And Tapes Up The Hair As Evidence

Crazy Neighbor Gets Mad At Friend For Dropping A Single Strand Of Hair And Tapes Up The Hair As Evidence

scorsese_finest Report

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#63

Just Saw This On A Job Application, Absolutely Insane

Just Saw This On A Job Application, Absolutely Insane

Krazy-Kat15 Report

#64

My Wife Found This In The Break Room Today

My Wife Found This In The Break Room Today

megaman368 Report

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#65

Look At What Booster Juice Thinks Is Appropriate To Send To Their Employees While They Sit In Back Watching The Videos Of Said Employees Working

Look At What Booster Juice Thinks Is Appropriate To Send To Their Employees While They Sit In Back Watching The Videos Of Said Employees Working

babosw Report

#66

The Gas Station Blaming Your Bank For Any Holds

The Gas Station Blaming Your Bank For Any Holds

Historical-Two9722 Report

#67

George’s In La Jolla, Ca

George’s In La Jolla, Ca

LouDiamond Report

#68

Got This Gem

Got This Gem

gizmodo-0304 Report

#69

Merhcandise Cunsomption Policy At A Grocery Store

Merhcandise Cunsomption Policy At A Grocery Store

Alex_daisy13 Report

#70

Found In A Break Room At My Job

Found In A Break Room At My Job

RedBeardsCurse Report

#71

“Resolve *any* Issues That May Be Causing Delay Of Payment”

“Resolve *any* Issues That May Be Causing Delay Of Payment”

IWantSealsPlz Report

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#72

At My Workplace Today

At My Workplace Today

kanepedekikedi Report

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#73

20 Months Later, They Finally Admitted I No Longer Worked There

20 Months Later, They Finally Admitted I No Longer Worked There

thepinky7139 Report

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#74

Sign On The Way Into A Local Restaurant

Sign On The Way Into A Local Restaurant

addisonshinedown Report