30 Times Bosses Wrote Such Delusional Notes, These Employees Just Had To Shame Them Online
Any boss can make their employees’ lives heaven or hell, depending on what they’re like as a person and how they manage their people. Unfortunately, the world’s full of truly awful bosses. They think that the word ‘leadership’ doesn’t apply to them. Instead of inspiring and motivating their workers, they patronize, insult, and micromanage them. And any and all respect goes flying out the window.
One way that managers reveal their true feelings, and their deep disdain for their employees is through the notes and signs that they put up, whether inside or outside. Bored Panda has traveled all over the net to bring you the most egregious, the most loathsome examples of these condescending, demeaning notes left.
It’s to show you just how low some bosses can go. In their eyes, everyone’s lazy but them. Everyone’s wrong but them. And then they act surprised when people leave the company because of them. Imagine the surprise on their face when they learn that their actions have [cue dramatic gasp and thunder] consequences.
As you’re scrolling down, have a think about your current and previous workplaces, Pandas. Have you ever come across insulting signs that management put up? What’s the most toxic thing your superiors have ever done? You can unload all of your frustration in the comment section. Go on, you know you need it.
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Pro Tip
Sam Dogen, the author of 'Buy This, Not That: How to Spend Your Way to Wealth and Freedom' and the founder of 'Financial Samurai,' shared his thoughts with us about how employees can earn their bosses' respect, what bosses can do to inspire them, the importance of patience, and some of the differences in work ethic between the younger and older generations. "In general, every older generation thinks the younger generation is lazier and has things easier. However, each generation only knows what it knows. So it's unfair to discredit one generation because they now have more creature comforts and so forth," he told Bored Panda.
"As someone who used to manage a small team in finance, the one thing I appreciated the most from employees was effort. If employees were trying their best to get things done and showed that they cared, I knew they were going places," Sam said. "Showing you give a damn about your fellow colleagues and your work is more than half the battle." You can read on for the financial expert's other great insights, Pandas.
Came Into Work This Morning To Find This Taped To The Wall. Boss Went On Tirade Against Me And Co-Worker Yesterday For Talking To Each Other With No Customers In The Store
What is really ridiculous about this tactic is that time and time again, studies have shown that happy and engaged employees are more productive and more likely to stay in a position. Even for entry level positions, the training time involved adds up to a not insignificant cost... give me cheerful and happy every time, especially in a retail environment. Nasty boss is shooting themself in the foot in the long game.
I Bet It’s Posted Right Next To A Sign Complaining That No One Wants To Work Anymore
And bring your maga hat... and weapons... we'll be storming the capital later.
Financial expert and author Sam explained to Bored Panda that when it comes to work, it's a never-ending activity with to end goal in sight. And ain't that true! "There is always something new to create or something more to sell. Therefore, having an employee with a great attitude is the best," he noted that a person's attitude is incredibly important in the workplace.
"Bosses can inspire their employees by giving a damn as well! If the boss is always coming in on time, taking their subordinates out for lunch to see how they are doing, and works hard, employees will be inspired. And when employees are inspired, they will care more and do better work. It is a virtuous cycle," he said that employees value their superiors spending their time with them and giving them attention. "Great bosses lead by example. They are not micromanagers either. Instead, they are honest about difficult situations, believe in their employees, support their employees, and engender trust."
Bored Panda was interested to get Sam's take on how different generations view work from a different angle. The 'Financial Samurai' founder told us that he's a member of Gen X, turning 45 this summer, and this is the only generation that he knows very well. However, he did see oversee some younger employees at work.
"We grew up without the internet and now have the internet," he said about Gen X. "I did manage a couple of employees who were 10 years younger than me, hence the millennial generation. One got in trouble because he felt entitled to a much larger bonus than $20,000 after his first year out of college! After he got his bonus, he refused to come to work for a week. That was an interesting situation," he shared an unusual case of entitlement.
"It seems like more employees want to reach the corner office sooner, without putting in their dues. This may be perhaps due to the internet, social media, and how quickly information is disseminated. When you see someone on social media get super-rich quickly, you start feeling the same way too."
Just Saw This In A Mcdonald’s
That’s a sign everyone should be talking about their pay. Ironically, it’s likely *more* people started talking pay after this, than might’ve otherwise. I’m sure Barbara Streisand would be proud 😂
Proud Of Gen Z
That’s…illegal 😂. Gotta love when an employer *advertises* their discrimination…
Stay Classy, Dollar Tree
Who's going to mind the store is Bethy is driving around to everyone's house?
In Sam's opinion, it seems like more and more employees are unwilling to "put in their dues" before reaching the corner office. They want massive progress without the grind. "This may be perhaps due to the internet, social media, and how quickly information is disseminated. When you see someone on social media get super-rich quickly, you start feeling the same way too," the expert stressed.
"However, I believe for most people, the secret to their success is unwavering commitment. If you can do something well consistently for 10+ years, you will likely be set for life! However, patience is required. Just know that if the direction is correct, sooner or later you will get there."
The job industry is very different when you compare things to the last few decades. The spread of new technologies like the internet have completely changed how people work and the information they have access to. That’s not to say that fast-food restaurants or retail shops are going to become obsolete, but generally speaking, workers are now more aware of what work conditions others have, how the rich are living, and when they’re being exploited. There’s a world of workplace advice at your fingertips.
The Audacity To Have This Up In A Workplace
The math is so wrong! Two sick days are taking away 2 of this "so called day", instead of taking away 16 work hours. This is ridiculously stupid. (And, terrible)
Eat And Get Laid Off. Snitches Get $20
Posted On All The Operating Room Doors Today
Bored Panda recently spoke about communication at work, quitting, and how to handle difficult bosses with workplace expert and author Lynn Taylor. She stressed that employees should try to be as diplomatic as they can, while at the same time drawing a line in the sand when it comes to bullying and outright disrespect.
“The best way to quit is to think about how you want to be remembered. Every industry in a given city has a relatively small network of good people. We have all heard 'it’s a small world' and the '6 degrees of separation.' As satisfying as it feels to 'put a bad boss in their place' upon departure, leave those fantasies in your mind,” Lynn explained to us during a recent exclusive interview that restraint is a very powerful tool in a worker’s arsenal.
“You never want to burn your bridges or get a reputation for being a troublemaker. It will get around and hurt your career," the workplace expert pointed out that an employee’s reputation follows them for years to come. Especially if it’s a niche industry.
"Your best bet is to thank your boss for the opportunity at the company and limit the number of negative comments you offer. It is unlikely to change behavior in a significant way. Be glad that you’ve decided to take the difficult step of moving on," the expert said that a bit of gratitude might be better than brutal honesty. In some cases. However, this doesn’t mean that you should bend over and grovel at your boss’ feet every time they walk by.
Just Gonna Leave This Here, Pinkos!
This Is Posted By The Time-Clock. Thought You Guys/Gals Would Enjoy This!
Don't Let These Businesses Gaslight You. They've Taken More "Handouts" Than Any One Of Us Will Ever Receive
"Very few people want to engage in lawsuits against a bully boss, for example, unless they feel they it will most certainly be a win. When in doubt, of course, you should always consult an employment attorney. And while the idea can be tempting, you may want to place more of your energy in your next, better job—or career pursuit,” Lynn stressed that employees ought to consider where their time, energy, and nerves are best spent.
Recent “Sweat Pledge” My Wife Was Asked To Sign Before Employment
Yep. I would definitely take #7 to heart and find a new job. I would sign the form though... Heywood Jablowme maybe.. or F. Ewe.
Is This Legal? I Work In New York And My Boss Just Sent Me This
I'm surprised this is NY... this looks like something Fl governor Ron Death Sentence would impose.
Started A New Job Today. Just More Of The Same
When communicating with management, it’s good to lay the groundwork and do a bit of preparation. "Know your objective. If you’re acting defensively, that won’t move the needle on enhancing your relationship. Think about how you would react as the recipient," the expert advised.
She gave Bored Panda an example of how employees could broach certain concerns with their boss using the ‘positive bookends’ approach.
About A Year Ago I Got Let Go Of My Job And Decided To Hussle Making Music, This Is The Second Time My Ex-Boss Tries To Have Me Mention Him In A 'Media Opportunity'
I don't even know what to say about this...it's probably the most delusional thing I've ever read!
Alex Had Enough
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
One way to communicate work issues to your manager or boss might be to use so-called ‘positive bookends’ (aka the criticism sandwich approach). You could try something like this: "'I really enjoy my job, but there’s something that set me back a bit recently.' Enter: your beef. Wrap with: 'Thank you so much for taking the time to listen to me… I very much appreciate your efforts in trying to work better together.'"
The best things that employees can do when they’re speaking to management is to communicate as clearly as they can, anticipate any problems that might come up, use a bit of humor if applicable, and present themselves as problem solvers, not problem causers.
In Case You Would Like To Know What It’s Like Working At Starbucks
Do not get to know me, just make me a coffee thank you. Having said that my local cafe baristas DO know me, but that's just because i'm in there a lot and we like to talk s**t.
I do not need to develop a relationship with every one I meet. For a cafe to be warm and welcoming, I'd like a smile, a greeting, and my order to be made quickly. The tables should be cleared and clean, and any music should be low. I most definitely don't need to get to know everyone working in a cafe. If I'm visiting the cafe on a regular basis, I will get to know the people working there. It's organic, and can't be forced without feeling terribly intrusive and manipulative.
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Right? This is such a weird metric to live and die by.
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This shows the danger of customer surveys. How many of the 59% of people who didn't feel like the barista took time to get to know them saw that as a positive?
True. Expecially if the customer feels that the poor barista is obliged to do it.
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I hand over the money, you hand over the coffee. That's the deal. Nothing else.
Yikes! CorpSpeak alert! This is an HR tour de force... and why are "partners" required to find their own coverage? Normally that is a management responsibility, but maybe that's why they call them "partners" instead of employees.
Ugh, it's so creepy when workplaces do this. Cults do that crap. Using coded language just masks the truth of what's going on and being said and it creates a false sense of superiority among those who know the lingo vs those who don't.
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"Hi Bob...great to see you!...the usual?" "Uhhhh.... what? I'm not Bob." "Ha Ha Bob, I love your sense of humor!...So, the usual raisin latte?" "No!, I want a medium decaf with cream and sugar." "Always the rebel Bob! Here is your decaf." "Thank you, and my name is not Bob, it is Jim.". "Ha, Ha...OK 'Jim'...see you tomorrow."
I think it's more refreshing for ppl to be real. I mean, still do your job, and don't take something out on me, but if you're having a sh*tty day, I won't expect you to smile.
The usual place I go to for coffee had someone I didn’t recognise (why would I?) taking orders yesterday and they tried to engage with me for the 6000 excruciating years it took to make a flat white…I have such crippling social anxiety that now I have to find a new place to get coffee and drive thrus are not common in the UK! Polite service is all I want, not a new friend.
I hate when CEOs expect the minions to befriend the cattle. I don't want acknowledgement while in line for milking.
If I'm just running in for a coffee please do not take the time to get to know me. I'm sure you're great, nothing personal, thanks but no thanks, I have social anxiety, have a nice day.
Anyone else old enough to remember when Starbucks cared about employees?
Way back in the swirling mists of time...when they had only five stores.
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Next week's sign: Nobody wants to work anymore. Its probably Brandon's fault.
Sorry, but as a customer, I do not need to feel "connected to" or with, or whatever. I need my coffee. The way I ordered it. From good coffee beans (not burnt in roasting). In a clean place. For a decent price. That is it. I do not expect and would be creeped out by someone trying to connect with me. Take your score and shove it in the rear sideways.
Did it occur to management that this "getting to know the customer" is reason the customers are staying away?
I just need my s**t to be paid for, nothing more nothing less, a small and polite exchange is perfectly ok, no more than that, this hurts my British soul.
Wow, love the over-zealous and slightly-terrifying highlighting. Forgetting the basic idea that if EVERYTHING is important, then NOTHING is important (except the self-important person who did the highlighting, of course). I read the few non-highlighted parts first; since it was the stuff that stood out, and I figured it must be important. :/
It seems in all comments I've read in regards to this, PEOPLE DON'T WANT TO CONNECT WHEN THEY GET THEIR MF COFFEE! They want to connect to their coffee a.s.a.p. This forced connection BS is a great way to lose customers.
So, the solution to being overworked to the point that the employee cannot connect to customers is to cut hours for everyone so everyone is MORE overworked and will have even less time to connect with the customers. Sorta like defunding schools that are already underfunded because they cannot seem to perform well without funding and staff... Yeah.
I bet a good percentage of customers are a$$holes, running late, on their phones, wrestling with a kid or trying to figure out what they want (not everyone has the menu memorized). Mgmt expecting you to engage with them is extremely annoying on both sides of the glass case. This kind of BS is what made me hate retail. Employees have genuine concerns (safety, coverage, benefits), yet this is the kind of BS that managers spend their time on. SO frustrating!
One thing I learned while driving Uber was that some people like to chat and some don't. You need to figure that out early on and adapt to the person. Don't push it.
Oh good they hired the fresh from collage big ideas to annoy both the customers and the employees. These type have never worked a real job and have been taught stupid stuff to shove down our throats. Don't hire someone who has never worked to a top possitions.
I've never had a waiter or retail clerk try to get to know me. I think I would find it off-putting & creepy if they started asking me personal questions and maybe even a little alarming.
I avoid this kind of Etablissement. Just sell me the stuff i want, nothing more.
I'm not the type to go to a starbucks but wyen i do, i don't want to know the barista or the other employees, i go for the coffee so i just want the coffee and maybe sit a little while qith my thoughts. Please, it's very annoying to be asked any personal questions. I don't mind if people smile or try to be friendly if its their way but employers should not require more than basic politness from their baristas.
Well, hell. If I give them my proper name (it's Asian), you screw it up every time. Just give me my coffee as I requested and promptly, no matter what you call me.
So since the customer is always right... maybe I should start going to my local starbucks and show them how much I care about their lives by talking about the benefits of unionization... I mean they want their baristas to get to know the customers. I like talking about unions...
All I require from Starbucks or any other coffee shop is a nice “Hi there, what can I get/start for you”, “your total is 5.00 please”, “thank you and have a nice day”.
We need a new movement of employees to photograph the offensive s**t that is posted where no customer would see it...and then hang it up front, where ALL the customers can see.
I prefer no interaction if possible. ATMs are a blessing and self-checkout is perfect. Can we do this with quality coffee, too?
God, please don't try to get to know me. No, I don't want to give you my name. I want to give you money and you give me the coffee I ordered then I leave.
People say they don't want "connection", but it's just they don't notice it. It is always more pleasant when greeted, replied to, looked at, feel like we are having an actual exchange. Oh wait this isn't about client to clerks, but clerks to client. Nah they can on sucks their disgusting coffee slash dessert.
I sure am glad these kind of shallow cr@p isn't here in my third world country. Jesus H Christ I just want my damn bean juice on be on my way. I don't need you to know me, seriously.
Personally as an introvert, the moment that the barista asks me, "what do you have going on today?" leaves me with instant dread and awkwardness.
I personally do not like the baristas to call out my name when my drink is ready. (Had a nutcase follow me out of the shop, kept calling my name) The only name I give is Wonder Woman and most of them won't call that out they look around for me and say "your tea is ready. The comic shop is different they yell it out loud and clear.
Being personable on any job with the public is always a plus but to try to DEMAND it of your employees....
Sadly, this is a real thing in many customer service jobs. The amount of training and reinforcement of "customer engagement" is ridiculous. And, yes, you will be "graded" on it. (This is why the rest of the world thinks we're weirdly friendly in the US) It's forced,fake friendliness.
So glad to hear about all the Starbucks workers voting to unionize! Congratulations, folks! Show the rest of us how it's done - you're leading by example and it's invigorating to witness!
"After weeks of coaching, our score has fallen..." "The beatings will continue until the morale improves" was supposed to be satire. Nothing helps employees act friendly like being over-stressed and under-staffed. And of course, the better employees will all leave.
Give staff fewer hours so they have less time to get to know they customers 🤔🤔
You can be cordial but as a customer, most of the time I don't want to have a big conversation. I just want what I ordered. Especially if I'm in a hurry or it's busy. I think most people would say, get my order done efficiently and correctly and you'll have a loyal customer.
Capitalist America For You
Reedsmith A Corporate Law Firm For Activision Posted This As A Note Which They Keep Around The Offices. A Local Game Union Printed It On Mousepads And Now Gives Them Out As A Reminder Of How They See Union Employees
Lynn noted that employees who consistently face overtime can appeal to their boss’ reason in such a way: “For example, if your supervisor says you need to do A, B, and C by tomorrow, diplomatically explain that it will hurt all projects to get them done the next day because (then explain very briefly what’s involved or the potential negative outcomes). Then explain the positives of an alternative approach, such as, 'If I focus on 'project A' today, we will likely land the Smith account.'"
When You Don't Understand The Assignment
And when his business closes... guess who he's going to blame? Certainly not his d1ckhead attitude or his ignorance.
One Of A Seemingly Endless Series Of Unreasonable Notes Left By My Boss. It’s Great Here
Everyone should do it so that payroll spends all day adjusting normal calculations to deduct 7 cents a day from everyone's pay.....And then again tomorrow.....And again...
My Old Boss Took 10 Days Off And Put This On Her Chair… In Order To Access Her Computer (Aka Cover Her Work While She Was Gone) We Had To Stand Or Bring In Another Chair… She Would Rewatch The Cameras At 6x Speed To See If Anyone Would Touch It
According to workplace expert Lynn, bad bosses can be compared to toddlers. As such, you can use positive and negative reinforcement to manage your managers.
"It makes you realize that badly behaving bosses are very much like angry toddlers, especially when are either stressed or frustrated. All mortal beings can act out when we are pushed to the limit. When you know where the boss is coming from, such as the stock plummeting 5% that day, your approach will be more effective," Lynn said.
At Work - Where Water Isn’t Free Yo
This looks ridiculous, but without more info it's hard to tell... is it purchased by a group of employees for their own use, or is this the employer charging employees? If it's the latter, that's pretty cheesy... it should be part of the cost of doing business.
Spotted At My Local Burger King
Nothing wrong with this. You shouldn't be disrupting your co-workers when you're not on shift.
Like I Almost Understand, But No This Is S**tty
"You can’t be oblivious to what someone else is going through and behave correctly. You also can’t assume that an angry boss is angry at you, per se. Chances are other people are getting the same treatment. Don’t take it all personally, but never allow anyone to be abusive, ever, to you in the workplace. No bullying should ever be tolerated,” she stressed.
Found This In My New Workplace’s Meeting/Rest Room
Labor Day
The Most Toxic S**t I've Ever Seen Hanging On An Office Wall.
Note: this post originally had 43 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.
Of course, employees shouldn’t ever be patronizing, as this could harm their careers. "Just know that human nature is, at its core, no different at five or 55," the expert told Bored Panda. "Looking at a difficult boss through the lens of a parent can be useful in another way. Humor is a good way to view tough situations more objectively: 'Johnny is having a bad day. And it’s 11:30 AM, so I should not go in there, as he is hungry.' This assumes that the bad behavior is episodic and not a pattern. Nobody should ever tolerate toxic behavior,” she stressed that there have to be clear boundaries.
"Most bad bosses can be charmers a lot of the time, but then act out unexpectedly, occasionally and seemingly for no reason."
Very American posts, sadly. As a European (Swede), these signs are very hard to understand.
I’m not sure if this is limited to the US but as a fellow swede, I couldn’t agree more to the last part. This kind of horrific shìt hasn’t been allowed for the last two hundred years. I feel horrible for people who has to live this utter crāp. We lucked out when it comes to this, big, big time.
Load More Replies... I urge you all to take an hour or so and look up federal/country and state/local wage, labor, and employment laws. You may be entitled to more than you are being given, and your employers may be violating labor laws. And check to see if there is legislation protecting whistleblowers so you can report violations without being retaliated against.
Yes!...EVERYONE! DO! THIS! A-hole employers will get away with anything if you let them,illegal or not. And document everything. If it isn't in writing, it never happened. Break and downtime laws are usually made at the state level, so check those too.
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So many people ask why there is so much worker shortage, so many leave their jobs, etc. It is simple! Just look at these toxic work environments, that sh:tty paid jobs,. Unhappy people got rid off these. Go find a better place to work if possible. Nobody deserves a bad job, nobody ows anything to a company beside doing the job being hired and paid. Worker rights are a good way to have better work environments.
As a (small department) manager in Europe this is dystopic. I as every member of my team: - 30 days flexible holiday. - half a day of on your birthday, Christmas, new years eve - so you don't need a whole day of your holidays. -3 days if for personal development, 500€ budget and a catalogue of great courses for free -spend holidays or working days in our capital hotel or on our farm for free, including meals, if you like with your family. - as many sick days as you need. And:two bonuses per year for everyone. The posts above reads like modern slavery.
Before the pandemic, I wanted to move to the USA. However, when I read about how employees are treated, what is happening on the real estate market, as well as in politics, I prefer to stick to the pathologies of my country that are known to me.
It depends on what work you're going to do after immigrating. The US is a good place for those with money.
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And people are still working in those places? I worked in small companies, big ones and international corporation, but never ever accepted any kind of shity things, not even close to these. Don't accept any s**t. You have one life. Live it, don't waste it for others!
Wow. I am a retired teacher from a great district. I get why so many people are leaving their jobs. Some companies are toxic.
NoBoDy wAnTs tO WoRk! No. Actually, nobody wants to work for an a*****e.
Very American posts, sadly. As a European (Swede), these signs are very hard to understand.
I’m not sure if this is limited to the US but as a fellow swede, I couldn’t agree more to the last part. This kind of horrific shìt hasn’t been allowed for the last two hundred years. I feel horrible for people who has to live this utter crāp. We lucked out when it comes to this, big, big time.
Load More Replies... I urge you all to take an hour or so and look up federal/country and state/local wage, labor, and employment laws. You may be entitled to more than you are being given, and your employers may be violating labor laws. And check to see if there is legislation protecting whistleblowers so you can report violations without being retaliated against.
Yes!...EVERYONE! DO! THIS! A-hole employers will get away with anything if you let them,illegal or not. And document everything. If it isn't in writing, it never happened. Break and downtime laws are usually made at the state level, so check those too.
Load More Replies... So many people ask why there is so much worker shortage, so many leave their jobs, etc. It is simple! Just look at these toxic work environments, that sh:tty paid jobs,. Unhappy people got rid off these. Go find a better place to work if possible. Nobody deserves a bad job, nobody ows anything to a company beside doing the job being hired and paid. Worker rights are a good way to have better work environments.
As a (small department) manager in Europe this is dystopic. I as every member of my team: - 30 days flexible holiday. - half a day of on your birthday, Christmas, new years eve - so you don't need a whole day of your holidays. -3 days if for personal development, 500€ budget and a catalogue of great courses for free -spend holidays or working days in our capital hotel or on our farm for free, including meals, if you like with your family. - as many sick days as you need. And:two bonuses per year for everyone. The posts above reads like modern slavery.
Before the pandemic, I wanted to move to the USA. However, when I read about how employees are treated, what is happening on the real estate market, as well as in politics, I prefer to stick to the pathologies of my country that are known to me.
It depends on what work you're going to do after immigrating. The US is a good place for those with money.
Load More Replies... And people are still working in those places? I worked in small companies, big ones and international corporation, but never ever accepted any kind of shity things, not even close to these. Don't accept any s**t. You have one life. Live it, don't waste it for others!
Wow. I am a retired teacher from a great district. I get why so many people are leaving their jobs. Some companies are toxic.
NoBoDy wAnTs tO WoRk! No. Actually, nobody wants to work for an a*****e.
