A recent trend spreading through the working-from-home world is a scary example of what has gone extremely wrong with our reliance on technology. Apparently the pandemic’s requirement that most everyone work from home for the past few years has changed the workplace atmosphere irreparably. Showing consideration and respect are two unwritten rules of business and both include the uncomfortable tasks of hiring and firing employees. “Letting someone go” is never easy, even if it is necessary. It is important that those in charge take those rules of conduct seriously. The increasing difficulty with finding willing, capable workers, the predictions of a looming economic recession, and the lack of civility have all grown to epic proportions in our public spaces. There is no excuse for it.
All kinds of managers are faced with challenges they never expected. Too many new workers, who are either unaware of, or never participated in the rules of social engagement in the office, have made it impossible for others to find a job for which they have spent years training. A new way to support the family often has to be found. Hiring used to be much more pleasant and while firing could never be considered comfortable for anyone, it was an expected managerial requirement. Once sitting at home or school in front of a computer screen became another job requirement and digital communication spread throughout the workplace, the old unwritten rules of respect and consideration fell by the wayside. Friends and family members are experiencing their own unique challenges, both at home and school.
All of the phrases soft-pedaling this turn of events no longer work. The harsh reality of the situation must be described realistically with, “I have to fire you” or “your position has been terminated.” Some of these managers have already found out that this is only the first wave of reductions in force for their companies and they could very well lose their own positions. It has led to so many social problems. Although top management and business leaders pride themselves on ensuring that their workplaces are safe and healthy, mental health problems are skyrocketing.
There might never have been a time that all businesses could guarantee that for their workforce, but everyone has been trying.
The hordes of folks moving to the rural areas may soon well be faced with impersonal termination notices and from the sounds of those already experiencing the dreaded “Dear John” or “Dear Jane” workplace-employer letter, they have no chance to do anything about it. Country music fans are well aware some of their favorite songs contain the powerful four-word letters put to a catchy tune: “ I am quitting you.” The boss who sends you the same message not only does not love you, he (or she) does not like you either.
By DOLLY VISCARDI – Special to the Herald Times
