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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!

#1

The Place My Girlfriend Works At Just Posted This Sign In Their Break Room. The Company Had Record Profits Last Year

The Place My Girlfriend Works At Just Posted This Sign In Their Break Room. The Company Had Record Profits Last Year

harveytheham Report

Sad Quokka
Community Member
3 years ago

Abused?? You abuse water by drinking it?

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    #2

    You Could Say There Are Perks

    You Could Say There Are Perks

    BluntTruthGentleman Report

    Me
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Bruh 💀

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    #3

    Is This Even Legal? Stopped At A Restaurant For Lunch And Saw This Sign In The Employee Area

    Is This Even Legal? Stopped At A Restaurant For Lunch And Saw This Sign In The Employee Area

    Cheek_Sorry Report

    Kurichfield
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    So I guess I should lock my keys in the car...ok I'm outta here.

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    #4

    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

    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

    Miserable-Sign-7892 Report

    That Goth Demon (zey/zem)
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Ok WHAT is this legal?

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    #5

    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

    Kurichfield
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Death Certificate...which has always been an embarassing thing to ask for.

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    #6

    So This Is The Sign Posted On The Bathroom Door At Work Today

    So This Is The Sign Posted On The Bathroom Door At Work Today

    Sir_Garbus Report

    Say What
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    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.

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    #7

    This Sign Posted At Our Shop... Dont They Know I Need At Least 3 Days Off A Month For My Mental Health

    This Sign Posted At Our Shop... Dont They Know I Need At Least 3 Days Off A Month For My Mental Health

    sleepybot0524 Report

    Unwelcomed Guest
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    This is a joke it even says Signs for Fun at the bottom

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    #8

    Gross. “Do Not Sit Unless You Have Doc Note”

    Gross. “Do Not Sit Unless You Have Doc Note”

    MosiahJasper Report

    Sad Quokka
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Why would anyone want to work at these places?

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    #9

    Is This Even Legal? Servers Make $3 An Hour In This Area And You Can Take Their Tips?

    Is This Even Legal? Servers Make $3 An Hour In This Area And You Can Take Their Tips?

    SourceIntelligent741 Report

    Maggie
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Isn't this awful management decision illegal? No wonder they can't keep their staff, plus $3 an hour is a disgrace.

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    #10

    An Old Sign Posted At My Customer Service Job. Thought Police Are In The Back Office

    An Old Sign Posted At My Customer Service Job. Thought Police Are In The Back Office

    im_tiny_nic Report

    David Wambold
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    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.

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    #11

    Teacher Appreciation Week Part 2. Our Superintendent Left A Very Heartfelt “Thank You” Note For Staff Members In The Lounge

    Teacher Appreciation Week Part 2. Our Superintendent Left A Very Heartfelt “Thank You” Note For Staff Members In The Lounge

    givemebesos Report

    HelluvaHedgehogAlien
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Hey, they were honest

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    #12

    Employees Need A Doctor's Note To Eat At Work

    Employees Need A Doctor's Note To Eat At Work

    MiladyWillDo Report

    ewa
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Guess it would be pretty easy to get a doctor'a note stating that as a human being you actually do need to eat ;)

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    #13

    This Was Several Years Back, But My Gm Used To Post Notes Like This All Over The Place

    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.

    kevorkian-scarf Report

    Karen Guy
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Horrible rules and grammar

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    #14

    This Sign At My Local L&l Hawaiian BBQ Spot

    This Sign At My Local L&l Hawaiian BBQ Spot

    WhyTry32121 Report

    Jeff Gabrisl
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Sorry boss, I can't come in, if I'm late, I lose my tips, and I can't afford that!

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    #15

    Simultaneously Threatening And Hysterical Sign From My First Job (Donut Shop)

    Simultaneously Threatening And Hysterical Sign From My First Job (Donut Shop)

    LostAMillionMen Report

    Kurichfield
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Take this sign and go F yourself

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    Never miss a story that brings joy to the world. Add us on Google

    #16

    A Note And Bonus Math Lesson From My Manager. My Addition To The Sign Was Not Appreciated

    A Note And Bonus Math Lesson From My Manager. My Addition To The Sign Was Not Appreciated

    SheriffJoseArpaio Report

    BlackestDawn
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Am I reading this right, they only have 5 non-working days per year?

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    #17

    I'm So Done With This Petty, Asinine Bulls**t

    I'm So Done With This Petty, Asinine Bulls**t

    doughnutsprinks_ Report

    Jeff Gabrisl
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Peasants are not allowed food, it is only for the lords! Also, beatings will continue until morale improves!

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    #18

    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

    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

    Shivwiggits Report

    ColorEd
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Disgusting.

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    #19

    A Thank You Note From My Job To My Husband For My Mandatory Overtime

    A Thank You Note From My Job To My Husband For My Mandatory Overtime

    SolitudeWeeks Report

    cats_from_the_void
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited)

    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.

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    #20

    My Boss Likes To Hide Behind Notes Instead Of Talking To Us. Today We Found This

    My Boss Likes To Hide Behind Notes Instead Of Talking To Us. Today We Found This

    Additional-Gur-8051 Report

    Mrs Irish Mom
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Charity is not optional so give away free stuff 🤷🤔

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    #21

    This Sign At A Hotel I Stayed This Weekend

    This Sign At A Hotel I Stayed This Weekend

    Positive_Meal523 Report

    Matt Collier
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Demotivation at its finest.

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    #22

    I Got Back To Work After Being Very Sick And Found My Wall Calendar Hidden In My Desk With This Note. I Am Pissed

    I Got Back To Work After Being Very Sick And Found My Wall Calendar Hidden In My Desk With This Note. I Am Pissed

    duckydarlings Report

    cats_from_the_void
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited)

    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

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    #23

    What A Day To Know How To Read

    What A Day To Know How To Read

    INTPgeminicisgaymale Report

    Mrs Irish Mom
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    If you cant afford to pay workers a proper wage then dont open a restaurant

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    #24

    New Manager In Training Is Trying To Make A Name For Himself And He Thinks This Is The Way To Do It

    New Manager In Training Is Trying To Make A Name For Himself And He Thinks This Is The Way To Do It

    Cynical_Egg Report

    MadOrca99
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    PTSD… from grade school when you are about to s**t you pants and are a slow writer

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    #25

    This Sign At My Work. They Will Charge Staff For Anything As Minimal As A Broken Ice Cream Cone

    This Sign At My Work. They Will Charge Staff For Anything As Minimal As A Broken Ice Cream Cone

    whatthef__ck Report

    funkybluegirl
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    I don't believe this is legal in the U.S.

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    #26

    Work Wants To Charge Us 0.50 Cents Per Shift For Our Tips Or Have Us Wait 2 Weeks. Wtf!

    Work Wants To Charge Us 0.50 Cents Per Shift For Our Tips Or Have Us Wait 2 Weeks. Wtf!

    Crystal_City Report

    Kurichfield
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Is the manager's name, "Fin"? I hope, I hope...

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    #27

    This Childish Sign

    This Childish Sign

    Janefire Report

    digitalin
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    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.

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    #28

    Hmmm..... I Don't Think I Will Be Signing This

    Hmmm..... I Don't Think I Will Be Signing This

    21KatieBugCat Report

    Rand Hoovre
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    I don't think this is legal...

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    #29

    Why Do The Lowest Paid Jobs Enforce The Most Draconian Rules? No Sitting For Cashiers At A Quick Mart

    Why Do The Lowest Paid Jobs Enforce The Most Draconian Rules? No Sitting For Cashiers At A Quick Mart

    RobinKennedy23 Report

    Nupraptor
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    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.

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    #30

    Found This On Facebook. Post Said The Sign Posted Behind The Counter Of A Fast Food Restaurant, In Full View Of The Customers…

    Found This On Facebook. Post Said The Sign Posted Behind The Counter Of A Fast Food Restaurant, In Full View Of The Customers…

    aut0maddic Report

    David Wambold
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    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.

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    #31

    Came In To This Today

    Came In To This Today

    slaterbabe10 Report

    ChuckD
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    I hope they are getting paid for those 15 minutes prior to the shift. The US Dept of Labor would eat them alive otherwise.

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    #32

    Does Anyone Else Have A Sign Like This? It Just Feels Off

    Does Anyone Else Have A Sign Like This? It Just Feels Off

    slayaboy87 Report

    Charlie the Cat
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    This one is not so bad. Just says have a snack & save some for everyone else.

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    #33

    Am I Losing It Or Is This Insane?

    Am I Losing It Or Is This Insane?

    paigezilla Report

    Ouching Tiger Limping Dragon
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Wait, so even if it's an "excused" absence, you get in trouble? What the eff?!

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    #34

    My Boyfriend's Manager (Who Has Been Making All His Employees Clock Out Early) Left This Note For Him

    My Boyfriend's Manager (Who Has Been Making All His Employees Clock Out Early) Left This Note For Him

    Bunnykapow Report

    Sad Quokka
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    C**t! Sorry I couldn't help myself

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    #35

    This Sign For Employees In The Kitchen At The Cafe I Work In

    This Sign For Employees In The Kitchen At The Cafe I Work In

    Gamer_GullSolo Report

    cats_from_the_void
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    make money off your employee's, smart! /s

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    #36

    My Head Boss At Sonic Left Us A Friendly Note

    My Head Boss At Sonic Left Us A Friendly Note

    ArgumentSouth2741 Report

    Ga Di
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    this should be what employees tell their bosses

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    #37

    My Company Was Recently Bought Out And Laid Off 18 Of 31 Full Time Employees. They Just Put This Note On Our Time Clock. Companies Don't Care About Us, Only Profits. It's Time For Us To Take Back Our Rights As Workers And As Humans

    My Company Was Recently Bought Out And Laid Off 18 Of 31 Full Time Employees. They Just Put This Note On Our Time Clock. Companies Don't Care About Us, Only Profits. It's Time For Us To Take Back Our Rights As Workers And As Humans

    mooseman077 Report

    David Wambold
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Ummmm.... Isn't that a National Holiday? Whose standards, someone in a foreign country.

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    #38

    My Job Requires Us To Sign This. Is This Legal

    My Job Requires Us To Sign This. Is This Legal

    PokerPoke Report

    Matt Collier
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Only points legal are the ones that pertain to substance abuse and theft. Everything else is completely delusional.

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    #39

    So Basically Even If I Have A Doctor's Note, I Am Still Required To Find My Replacement? Is This Legal?

    So Basically Even If I Have A Doctor's Note, I Am Still Required To Find My Replacement? Is This Legal?

    ManufacturerCalm8186 Report

    Claire Ferguson
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    this is crazy, you get 28 paid days holiday in the UK.

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    #40

    My Boss At My New Job Was “Up Til 2am Typing This For Me” And Was So Tired Today

    My Boss At My New Job Was “Up Til 2am Typing This For Me” And Was So Tired Today

    mikegoblin Report

    Rand Hoovre
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Some dude horked down a buncha blow and just started rambling. I want to know where they work and why this exists. So many questions...

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    #41

    A Note From Management When I Used To Work Here

    A Note From Management When I Used To Work Here

    jayzval Report

    Erin E
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Manors need to be happy

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    #42

    Coworker Got Promoted To Assistant Manager And Has Been Going On A Power Trip With Notes. Found This Today:

    Coworker Got Promoted To Assistant Manager And Has Been Going On A Power Trip With Notes. Found This Today:

    Kyko08 Report

    Dingooo
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Wouldn't touch it with a 10-ft pole. Might catch something.

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    #43

    Ownership Telling You You’re An Unsung Hero Via An A4 Note Addressed To The General Employee Base

    Ownership Telling You You’re An Unsung Hero Via An A4 Note Addressed To The General Employee Base

    Im_DeadInside Report

    Beachbum
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Well this is kind of nice...

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    #44

    Found 2 Of These Signs In The Tim Hortons I Work At Today, Figure Even Though They Pay Me S**t Wages, I’ll At Least Offer My 2 Cents

    Found 2 Of These Signs In The Tim Hortons I Work At Today, Figure Even Though They Pay Me S**t Wages, I’ll At Least Offer My 2 Cents

    TheOfficialSlimber Report

    Say What
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Legal action? Under what charge?

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    #45

    I Work In A Kitchen. Employees Are Allowed Just One Free Drink Each Shift-Pay Regular Price For Food. My Manager Went To A Meeting Today, This Was One Of The Notes They Gave Him. We Cannot Even Get A Free Drink Anymore

    I Work In A Kitchen. Employees Are Allowed Just One Free Drink Each Shift-Pay Regular Price For Food. My Manager Went To A Meeting Today, This Was One Of The Notes They Gave Him. We Cannot Even Get A Free Drink Anymore

    Uber_4_yuh Report

    Beachbum
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Soft drinks are the cheapest thing at a restaurant, the mark-up is ridiculous, this is the shittiest thing ever

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    #46

    “English Only” Sign Spotted Today At Georgia Nail Salon

    “English Only” Sign Spotted Today At Georgia Nail Salon

    Dear_Contribution481 Report

    Colleen Foley
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    I can see this. If you are working on a customer, you should be engaged with them and having an extensive conversation with someone else seems rude. Especially in a foreign language. It's a bit intimate getting.your nails or hair done, that person is working on your body. For many, it is also a social thing and so being excluded from conversation would just suck the fun right out.

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    #47

    Are Any Of These Illegal? Rules Posted At My Step Sons Part-Time Job

    Are Any Of These Illegal? Rules Posted At My Step Sons Part-Time Job

    Sabrewulf6969 Report

    The Mom
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Number 7 is wage theft.

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    #48

    This Note Left By My Boss (And The Correction Left A Few Hours Later) At A Privately Owned Dmv In Minnesota

    This Note Left By My Boss (And The Correction Left A Few Hours Later) At A Privately Owned Dmv In Minnesota

    RemovedByGallowboob Report

    Spocks's Mom
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    I have stapled things in the upper left my whole life. What kind of witchery is this?

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    #49

    This Was Posted The Other Day When It Was -15

    This Was Posted The Other Day When It Was -15

    EveningRing1032 Report

    Natural Born Tourist
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Just walk out. All of you.

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    #50

    Came In The Morning Before Thanksgiving At A Grocery Store To This Note From Our Gm. They Were Short Staffed From Cut Hours The Night Before. We Were Short Staffed Again Today. Thanksgiving Is The Busiest Day Of The Year For Grocery Stores. Next Time Just Say Thank You

    Came In The Morning Before Thanksgiving At A Grocery Store To This Note From Our Gm. They Were Short Staffed From Cut Hours The Night Before. We Were Short Staffed Again Today. Thanksgiving Is The Busiest Day Of The Year For Grocery Stores. Next Time Just Say Thank You

    MN_killuh Report

    #51

    How Do You Go From Requesting That We Be Soul-Less Worker Ants, To An Inspirational Speech? I Hate Ppl

    How Do You Go From Requesting That We Be Soul-Less Worker Ants, To An Inspirational Speech? I Hate Ppl

    scott74531 Report

    Jeff Gabrisl
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    I actually don't see anything wrong with this. Cleanliness is important, proper accounting is important, and you shouldn't be on Facebook, watching videos, or using ear buds if you perform customer service.

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    #52

    Post It Note

    Post It Note

    Boss hands you this with no context. Whats your take? This is the second time this has happened. I'm in California. Medical and dental were the reason I switched to this job full time.
    They cover 100% of it for me. We are a staff of 5 people. One of two full time, the other being the owners kid.
    After speaking to them, its their way of showing the monetary value they put into me hourly ontop of my wage.

    Prog89 Report

    Stuart Smith
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    I gather most of these come the the good old USA - thankfully, I don't live there!

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    #53

    Forced To Use Pto For "Company Holidays"

    Forced To Use Pto For "Company Holidays"

    soleario21 Report

    Elwood Schwartz (it/that)
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Title does not reflect wat sign actually says.

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    #54

    Lovely Notes My Sister’s Boss Leaves.i’ve Been Telling Her To Quit For 2 Yrs

    Lovely Notes My Sister’s Boss Leaves.i’ve Been Telling Her To Quit For 2 Yrs

    Bebopcanoo Report

    Gwenn Kuhns
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    Orange Haribo Gummy Bears made in Germany, yum!!

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