35 Times Bosses Wrote Such Delusional Notes, These Employees Just Had To Shame Them Online (New Pics)
I’m sure being a great boss isn’t easy. Managing a whole team of employees while attempting to keep morale high and turnover rates low could be stressful for even the coolest of cucumbers. But keeping your team from hating you shouldn't require winning any awards for being the World's Best Boss. Just refrain from posting passive-aggressive signs in the workplace, and you should be okay...
Below, we’ve gathered photos of some of the most infuriating and insulting messages bosses have posted for their employees that have later ended up on Reddit. We’ll warn you right now, pandas, that scrolling through this list might make your blood boil, so be sure to upvote the messages you find most egregious. Keep reading to also find a conversation we were lucky enough to have with career coach Sarah Archer, and if you ever find yourself in charge of employees, remember these examples of what not to do!
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The Place My Girlfriend Works At Just Posted This Sign In Their Break Room. The Company Had Record Profits Last Year
If this is in the US, that is an OSHA violation and you have it in writing.
Water fights? Communal showers? Indoor kayak races? The mind boggles.
Load More Replies...Since the "we" in the second sentence must refer to the author of this statement, that sentence says that management has abused its privilege in doing so. I'm sure that's accurate. Management often abuses its privileges by withholding things from employees. Here is just another case.
Reads as "the management is not providing water because the management abused their privilege by providing water", WTF does that even mean?
So of course this is not okay... But the first thing I thought of when I read it was the fact that my work provides water during the summer and every morning we come in there are water bottles everywhere. Instead of refilling them with our cold water fountain, they just grab more bottles and then continue to make them everybody else's problem. But that's the only time I could see this being relevant.
Shouldn't it say "In doing so, You have abused our/this privilege ?"
I bet it was bottled water and people were stuffing their bags full every day on their way out.
Is providing water to your employees actually a legal requirement in the states? I am german and I always thought that it was normal that employees bring their own drinks And than if needed refill it at the tap.
Much of the the US has really terrible tasting water. Its USUALLY safe, but isn't something you want to drink.
Load More Replies...But, what is the story behind the note. That's important information. What were employees doing? Did the company have bottles, and the employees were taking them home? That's something a business a friend works for saw happening, they switched to a special water fountain, people can use cups.
An explanation of abuse would be good. Can't dis the management without knowing if the sign is reasonable.
Our boss shut down one of our water fountains. Our work floor is a big warehouse size with one on each end of the floor. Then she ordered that we weren't allowed water at our work station and to get permission to go to the water fountain. 🙄 Power tripper.
Bottle water. My work. Wasted bottles. Stolen cases. So back to reusable water bottles. And water from dispensers. I get the abused it part.
“We are no longer giving our employees Basic human necessities because we are selfish a******s”
AIR will no longer be provided, employees should bring their own air from home.
We will no longer do any more work than we are contractually obligated to starting Monday 3/21. We have abused our moral obligations in doing so. Thanks, your employees.
I have a filtered water hot/cold water cooler at work, my son’s old job stopped providing free bottled water only because everyone there would take a couple sips and leave whole bottle anywhere, he just had them pay for it instead
Not only were their profit records broken, their English is too.
very illegal. it's like telling an employee they can't use the bathroom because you fired the janitor.
How have you abused your privilege with basic human rights!!!!????
To gain more insight on why it's so common for bosses to leave these terrible messages, we reached out to London-based career coach and founder of CareerTree Coaching, Sarah Archer, who was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda.
"In my experience, these kind of messages are becoming less common as employers become more conscious about wellbeing," Sarah noted. "However, when they do happen it’s usually managers who essentially don’t know how to manage! Often employees can be promoted into managerial roles without the necessary skills and experience. And if they are then not trained or supported this kind of practice can emerge."
You Could Say There Are Perks
We also asked the career expert what kind of impact these messages can have on a workplace. "[They] often have the opposite effect to what the manager wants," Sarah says. "People generally are not motivated to perform well, adhere to rules, etc. by being humiliated or threatened. They tend to result in feelings of anger, resentment or fear, which will not increase productivity, result in higher levels of absence or higher turnover of staff."
Thankfully, however, Sarah says that there are plenty of fantastic ways to engage and communicate with employees that managers can use instead of these hostile messages. "Firstly, it would be about treating them as adults and showing respect! If as a manager you’ve got a difficult message to communicate, then it needs to be face-to-face and with compassion."
Is This Even Legal? Stopped At A Restaurant For Lunch And Saw This Sign In The Employee Area
Sarah also shared some advice for anyone who finds themselves in a work environment where higher ups post messages such as this. "First, recognize that this is not acceptable behavior from the employer (who is vicariously liable for the actions of their manager), so feel empowered to call this out. No one should have to be subjected to insulting messages from their manager, and there are laws and policies in place to protect employees. They should seek advice from the HR department if there is one, or from a staff representative or trade union."
If you'd like to learn more about Sarah or gain some advice on your own career, be sure to visit CareerTree Coaching's website right here!
Job Called Me In. First Day And I Found This. The Wall Of Fame Had Nothing On It. There Were Many Other Notes Basically S***ting On Everyone. Left 30 Minutes Into The Shift… No Regret
When My Grandfather Passed Away, My Boss Asked For A Funeral Note. Wtf Is A Funeral Note?
Death Certificate...which has always been an embarassing thing to ask for.
What is it about respecting employees that some bosses find so difficult to do? It feels like every day there’s another story going viral of a toxic employer who’s treating their workers horribly, and as the photos on this list go to show, there are plenty of bosses out there who continue to get away with it year after year. According to a survey from GoodHire of 3,000 Americans with full-time employment, managers as a whole are failing miserably. Only 39% of workers said that their managers are open and honest about promotion opportunities, and only 44% consider their supervisors to be transparent and honest during conversations about salary and compensation.
Less than a third of these workers say that their managers actually care about their employees’ career progression, and less than half believe that their superiors respect their personal time away from work. According to those surveyed, the most annoying things bosses do are micromanage workers and request that they work outside of their regular hours. But 82% of American workers say they would quit a job where they had a bad manager, so this treatment of workers clearly isn’t sustainable.
So This Is The Sign Posted On The Bathroom Door At Work Today
This establishment must have no female employees or if they do, have no concept of the extra steps they need to get the job done. Untuck this, tuck that, tights, bodysuits, monthly cycles, etc. Hell, it can take longer than that to locate the seam on the TP, and if they have the cheap stuff that's not strong enough to not tear from the weight of it, women don't stand a chance.
This Sign Posted At Our Shop... Dont They Know I Need At Least 3 Days Off A Month For My Mental Health
Surveys such as this raise the question of whether or not employees actually quit or if their bosses drive them to it. How are they supposed to feel satisfied, appreciated and optimistic about their futures when they’re told they’re not allowed to have water or take any breaks during the day? Apparently, most employees find themselves annoyed by their managers at least one day per week, and 84% of American workers feel their managers are redundant, reporting that they believe they could fill the role themselves. In fact, 89% of hospitality workers say they’re even more qualified than their superiors to do their jobs.
Aside from all of the small annoyances and frustrations employees have about their bosses, the vast majority of workers actually consider their employers to be toxic. One survey from Monster found that 76% of American workers say they have a toxic boss, and many of them describe their employers as power-hungry, micromanagers, incompetent or simply never around. A very small minority, 5% of workers, report that they’re actually great friends with their bosses, but clearly, there’s a problem in the American workplace. And considering how much material we have for lists such as this, I would say that there are plenty of toxic bosses out there.
Gross. “Do Not Sit Unless You Have Doc Note”
Is This Even Legal? Servers Make $3 An Hour In This Area And You Can Take Their Tips?
When defining what makes a toxic workplace, employees describe it as being disrespectful, abusive, non-inclusive, unethical or cutthroat. Women are more likely to report toxic experiences at work than men, and white workers report having an easier time moving on from toxic employment than employees of color. And if you’re a manager or boss who’s wondering if you fall under the umbrella of toxic leaders, Kathryn Minshew wrote a piece for Yahoo! Finance breaking down some of the signs you might want to look out for in yourself. First, consider whether or not you always speak first. Toxic managers tend to “stay within their own brain bubble” and fail to give others a chance to share their thoughts and ideas.
An Old Sign Posted At My Customer Service Job. Thought Police Are In The Back Office
Can't stop..... Am having negative thought...... Giving me negative feelings.... Gving me negative energy.... So I don't do negative actions I must QUIT.
Teacher Appreciation Week Part 2. Our Superintendent Left A Very Heartfelt “Thank You” Note For Staff Members In The Lounge
Employees Need A Doctor's Note To Eat At Work
Minshew goes on to note that you might be contributing to toxic leadership if you find yourself constantly checking in with your team. Micromanaging can make employees feel suffocated and assume that you don’t trust them. Communicate deadlines clearly and keep your employees accountable, but don’t breathe down their necks. It can also be frustrating for employees to be stuck doing the same very specific tasks day in and day out. This can stifle creativity and eliminate any chances to grow and improve. Great managers think of new ideas often and keep an open mind to how their teams can move forward.
This Was Several Years Back, But My Gm Used To Post Notes Like This All Over The Place
Yes, employees got written up for having water bottles under the registers. He ended up getting fired for stealing money from the store, apparently.
This Sign At My Local L&l Hawaiian BBQ Spot
Sorry boss, I can't come in, if I'm late, I lose my tips, and I can't afford that!
Simultaneously Threatening And Hysterical Sign From My First Job (Donut Shop)
It’s also an incredibly toxic trait if you, as a manager, feel the need to put your employees in their place. You may be in a leadership position, but you’re all adults. Having a higher salary or being the one to delegate tasks does not make you any better than them. Never take out anger on employees, speak to them in a condescending manner or project your own insecurities onto them. If you want your team to respect you, it’s crucial that you treat them as equals and afford them the same respect.
A Note And Bonus Math Lesson From My Manager. My Addition To The Sign Was Not Appreciated
I'm So Done With This Petty, Asinine Bulls**t
Peasants are not allowed food, it is only for the lords! Also, beatings will continue until morale improves!
Little Old But This Note Was Put Up Last Summer During Record Breaking Heat Here In Utah. It Was Like 112f If I Remember Correctly. Rip Those Of Us Working Outside
If you’re a worker who finds yourself in an environment with a passive aggressive boss who leaves lovely notes such as the ones featured on this list, it’s probably best to get out of there as soon as you can. But if you haven’t been able to find a new job yet or are just waiting for the right opportunity to jump ship, here are some tips on how to deal with your frustrating boss for the time being. Allaya Cooks-Campbell at BetterUp first recommends identifying your manager’s go-to behaviors. This can help you anticipate how they’ll respond to certain situations and be prepared or even avoid them altogether. It’s never fun to tiptoe around anyone, but sometimes, it might be easier than facing your manager’s wrath.
A Thank You Note From My Job To My Husband For My Mandatory Overtime
UM.. WHAT? YOUR SPOUSE IS NOT A TOY YOU SHARE ON THE PLAYGROUND WITH THE OTHER KINDERGARDENS. The workplace should thank the wife not the husband.
My Boss Likes To Hide Behind Notes Instead Of Talking To Us. Today We Found This
This Sign At A Hotel I Stayed This Weekend
It’s always best to take the high road when your employer stoops down to the passive-aggressive route. Remember that their behavior doesn’t actually have anything to do with you, as it stems from stress, insecurities, their upbringing or something else out of your control, so try not to take it personally. It can also be helpful to over-communicate with a passive-aggressive boss to ensure that there are no misunderstandings. Put everything in writing, keep paper trails, and make sure that you’re always on the same page.
I Got Back To Work After Being Very Sick And Found My Wall Calendar Hidden In My Desk With This Note. I Am Pissed
Oh? turn up to work every day with a bright rainbow calendar with unicorns and glow in the dark writing so it glows when they turn the lights off that says ' f homophobes ', that'll be more work-appropriate
What A Day To Know How To Read
If you cant afford to pay workers a proper wage then dont open a restaurant
New Manager In Training Is Trying To Make A Name For Himself And He Thinks This Is The Way To Do It
If a toxic or passive-aggressive boss is starting to really take a toll on you, don’t be afraid to speak up. Whether that means having a conversation with HR or expressing your concerns directly to your superior, it can be important for your own mental health to seek a solution to these problems. Going into work stressed and anxious every day, unsure of how your manager will treat you, is not healthy. Request a meeting with your boss or HR representative to share how you’re feeling, and work together to find a solution. And if common ground cannot be found, it may be time to move on.
This Sign At My Work. They Will Charge Staff For Anything As Minimal As A Broken Ice Cream Cone
Work Wants To Charge Us 0.50 Cents Per Shift For Our Tips Or Have Us Wait 2 Weeks. Wtf!
This Childish Sign
This sounds harsh in the way they yell it, but it's also basic work etiquette for a busy restaurant. I've worked places with people who have no interest in working where they sit around and ignore customers and the work piles up. Most of these are awful, but this is basic "have you ever had a job before?" c**p.
If any of these photos remind you of your own boss, pandas, I urge you to get out of that toxic workplace as soon as possible! Respect is the bare minimum of what employees should receive from their managers and employers, but unfortunately, many of them can’t even provide that. Keep upvoting the pics that you find particularly offensive, and feel free to share in the comments below if you’ve ever seen a similar message at work. Then, if you can handle even more anger, you can find Bored Panda’s last list on the same topic right here!
Hmmm..... I Don't Think I Will Be Signing This
Why Do The Lowest Paid Jobs Enforce The Most Draconian Rules? No Sitting For Cashiers At A Quick Mart
I worked at a large grocery store chain in the cash office. The cash office is out of view of customers and has no windows. My entire job was counting up money, checks, etc. and balancing the books. There was no chair and I was not allowed to sit all day - just stand in front of a computer. I never could understand why.
Found This On Facebook. Post Said The Sign Posted Behind The Counter Of A Fast Food Restaurant, In Full View Of The Customers…
Sooooo. I can talk 10:01am to 10:59am, 2:01pm-4:59pm, and 8:01pm to 6:59am. I must assume a monastic vow of silence all other times. How do I serve customer the rest of the time? Gonna need a notebook and pen.
Came In To This Today
Does Anyone Else Have A Sign Like This? It Just Feels Off
This one is not so bad. Just says have a snack & save some for everyone else.
Am I Losing It Or Is This Insane?
Wait, so even if it's an "excused" absence, you get in trouble? What the eff?!
My Boyfriend's Manager (Who Has Been Making All His Employees Clock Out Early) Left This Note For Him
This Sign For Employees In The Kitchen At The Cafe I Work In
Somehow I feel that most of these are USA notes. Where I live most of this would be illegal and/or impossible. For example, our doctors do not give out notes for employers. If you're home sick you might be checked by the company doctor.
Free clue. Most of these are illegal in the US too.
Load More Replies...I worked in a nursing home and they stopped accepting doctors notes. You HAD to come in to see a nurse and the nurse (who would have to actually help the NAs if we were short and therefore had an incentive to say you were ok to work) got to decide if you were ok to work. A girl passed out one day after being to told by a nurse she was ok to work (9 hr shift, no sitting down allowed) and they still kept doing it.
If they treat the staff like that, how do they treat the residents?
Load More Replies...I honestly had to stop after just a few of these because it triggered flashbacks to horrifying anxiety and even full-on panic attacks caused by overwhelmingly toxic work environments. So many jobs where I wish I'd rage quit by putting an M60 into the electrical box and lit it before calmly walking to my car and driving away forever. (Note: I have not nor would I ever actually do so, but it's nice to fantasize.)
I bet these are the same managers/ owners that complain that nobody wants to work these days.
And then demand more illegal immigration from their government officials to solve the problem.
Load More Replies...Unions stop this kind of BS. Along with OSHA and other state and federal laws.
In the US? Nah. These corporate motherf*ckers OWN us, and they make sure the fascist cop watchdogs immediately smash anyone who displays true disobedience. This kind of bullsh*t is de rigueur in the US of A. I'm just glad that my current bosses are genuinely NOT like this, because SO many in the past were. Think about it this way: if you steal $5 out of your employer's cash drawer, that is *criminal theft, * which can result in jail time. If your employer fails to pay you thousands of dollars in overtime (or any other pay you are legitimately owed), they may have fines levied against them, but they can NEVER go to jail, because WAGE THEFT IS NOT A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. It is a civil offense. That should tell you all you need to know about who's in charge here.
Load More Replies...As a medical doctor, I can tell you right now that when someone has to drive you to the doctor, no, you can't go to work. And shouldn't. Working while sick makes others sick, slows your healing, and if the boss doesn't like it, call a lawyer (US) or make a stink in the media. Media pressure is, in my experience, more successful than a lawsuit. You can get out-sued, but it's hard to out-media the "bad impression". :-)
I get a vibe that some of these are real, but I'm starting to feel like "name, or it didn't happen." Seriously, you walked out of a job because of a mean-spirited, hate-filled, ENTIRELY ILLEGAL policy that was publicly posted, so you could get a camera shot, and YOU DIDN'T NAME THE ABUSER? To be clear: I absolutely believe that there are bosses who could be stupid and cruel enough to enact these policies. I suppose some of them may just be stupid enough to actually post these policies. So BURY them!!!!
None of these were that far out of the norm in the US. Especially for service or retail work of any kind. In fact most of it is considered horrible, but standard.
Load More Replies...Almost all of these posts: Wouldn't it be some much better if these bosses actually sat down with the employees and told them what the issue was? Why they can't use their phones while standing behind the counter, what the reason is why they are sick so often and why absence is such a challenge for your colleagues and he business etc. This looks all too often like the absent-boss syndrome.
The UK isn't exactly a shining beacon when it comes to workers' rights, but even here most of these would be illegal. America sucks.
They are absolutely illegal in America, too, you bigoted asshat.
Load More Replies...What’s with all of these employers stealing employees’ wages? Especially in a place where you don’t make much money, you are having to pay YOUR EMPLOYER for things instead of THEM PAYING YOU!
I'm suddenly feeling a lot better about my job. I can drink water, sit down, eat lunch and be off when I'm sick. These poor people 😢
I really don't want to start a "US bashing" thing, but I am really surprised by the violence of those companies "policies". I am wondering and asking pandas if it's commonplace / not that shocking where you work ? In the few Europeans countries I've lived, for most of the posts, you would have legal ground to sue the management for harassment / breach of labour laws etc.
And people seriously say "just get a job!" Jesus, is this how people should be treated? Living under constant threat of termination, forced resignation (actually that's like for congress a******s, regular folks just get fired), forced donations to "charity," unfair and illegal rules, forced contract signatures, unfair management practices!!? People deserve better.
Somehow I feel that most of these are USA notes. Where I live most of this would be illegal and/or impossible. For example, our doctors do not give out notes for employers. If you're home sick you might be checked by the company doctor.
Free clue. Most of these are illegal in the US too.
Load More Replies...I worked in a nursing home and they stopped accepting doctors notes. You HAD to come in to see a nurse and the nurse (who would have to actually help the NAs if we were short and therefore had an incentive to say you were ok to work) got to decide if you were ok to work. A girl passed out one day after being to told by a nurse she was ok to work (9 hr shift, no sitting down allowed) and they still kept doing it.
If they treat the staff like that, how do they treat the residents?
Load More Replies...I honestly had to stop after just a few of these because it triggered flashbacks to horrifying anxiety and even full-on panic attacks caused by overwhelmingly toxic work environments. So many jobs where I wish I'd rage quit by putting an M60 into the electrical box and lit it before calmly walking to my car and driving away forever. (Note: I have not nor would I ever actually do so, but it's nice to fantasize.)
I bet these are the same managers/ owners that complain that nobody wants to work these days.
And then demand more illegal immigration from their government officials to solve the problem.
Load More Replies...Unions stop this kind of BS. Along with OSHA and other state and federal laws.
In the US? Nah. These corporate motherf*ckers OWN us, and they make sure the fascist cop watchdogs immediately smash anyone who displays true disobedience. This kind of bullsh*t is de rigueur in the US of A. I'm just glad that my current bosses are genuinely NOT like this, because SO many in the past were. Think about it this way: if you steal $5 out of your employer's cash drawer, that is *criminal theft, * which can result in jail time. If your employer fails to pay you thousands of dollars in overtime (or any other pay you are legitimately owed), they may have fines levied against them, but they can NEVER go to jail, because WAGE THEFT IS NOT A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. It is a civil offense. That should tell you all you need to know about who's in charge here.
Load More Replies...As a medical doctor, I can tell you right now that when someone has to drive you to the doctor, no, you can't go to work. And shouldn't. Working while sick makes others sick, slows your healing, and if the boss doesn't like it, call a lawyer (US) or make a stink in the media. Media pressure is, in my experience, more successful than a lawsuit. You can get out-sued, but it's hard to out-media the "bad impression". :-)
I get a vibe that some of these are real, but I'm starting to feel like "name, or it didn't happen." Seriously, you walked out of a job because of a mean-spirited, hate-filled, ENTIRELY ILLEGAL policy that was publicly posted, so you could get a camera shot, and YOU DIDN'T NAME THE ABUSER? To be clear: I absolutely believe that there are bosses who could be stupid and cruel enough to enact these policies. I suppose some of them may just be stupid enough to actually post these policies. So BURY them!!!!
None of these were that far out of the norm in the US. Especially for service or retail work of any kind. In fact most of it is considered horrible, but standard.
Load More Replies...Almost all of these posts: Wouldn't it be some much better if these bosses actually sat down with the employees and told them what the issue was? Why they can't use their phones while standing behind the counter, what the reason is why they are sick so often and why absence is such a challenge for your colleagues and he business etc. This looks all too often like the absent-boss syndrome.
The UK isn't exactly a shining beacon when it comes to workers' rights, but even here most of these would be illegal. America sucks.
They are absolutely illegal in America, too, you bigoted asshat.
Load More Replies...What’s with all of these employers stealing employees’ wages? Especially in a place where you don’t make much money, you are having to pay YOUR EMPLOYER for things instead of THEM PAYING YOU!
I'm suddenly feeling a lot better about my job. I can drink water, sit down, eat lunch and be off when I'm sick. These poor people 😢
I really don't want to start a "US bashing" thing, but I am really surprised by the violence of those companies "policies". I am wondering and asking pandas if it's commonplace / not that shocking where you work ? In the few Europeans countries I've lived, for most of the posts, you would have legal ground to sue the management for harassment / breach of labour laws etc.
And people seriously say "just get a job!" Jesus, is this how people should be treated? Living under constant threat of termination, forced resignation (actually that's like for congress a******s, regular folks just get fired), forced donations to "charity," unfair and illegal rules, forced contract signatures, unfair management practices!!? People deserve better.