The High School Culture in the Workplace: Seriously?

As someone who has worked in a professional setting for a very long time, Irsquo;ve seen it all. But at times, it feels like Irsquo;m working with a bunch of teenagers instead of the seasoned adults they are. This notion is not new; workplace cliques, rumors, and childish behavior are as old as the industry itself. In this article, Irsquo;ll delve into the uncomfortable realities of a work environment that feels more like a high school than a professional setting.

The Curtains of Professionalism

Being a staunch advocate of the workplace, Irsquo;ve spent the better part of my career here. It is not an enormous office, but the number of cliques, the amount of gossip, the snarky remarks, and the underhanded tactics are alarming. Itrsquo;s reminiscent of a high school more than a professional environment filled with mostly adult workers in their late 30s and above.

Although there is a younger crowd of college and recent graduates, they seem to exhibit far less of the childish behavior that plagues the office. However, the climate is still a far cry from the professional atmosphere one would expect.

Confidentiality and Office Chicanery

A few months ago, I made a minor mistake that compromised confidentiality. After a friendly coworker found out about it, she went to management with a detailed email recounting our conversation, citing my mistake. Even though I was upset that I goofed, what frustrated me the most was the betrayal from a close friend.

This isnrsquo;t an isolated incident; in my time here, similar situations have occurred daily. The office culture resembles an endless cycle of cliques, rumors, and complaints. Itrsquo;s disheartening to see such a professional environment devolve into a high school atmosphere.

The Severe Concussion Metaphor

One could definitely understand why, after experiencing such behavior, the office environment might make you wonder if a severe concussion would change your perspective. This is especially true for those who spend their days with teenagers, as in my case, where the two worlds intersect.

Degrading and Inappropriate Behavior

A disturbing and severe instance of workplace inappropriateness occurred not too long ago. A lady who was somewhat larger in size joined an office setting where I used to work. In this particular office, three grown adults took it upon themselves to call her "Shrek" behind her back, reveling in what they considered their hilarious joke. The audacity and lack of respect are disconcerting.

Furthermore, one senior shift supervisor went as far as to call another professional a "carpet muncher," which is not only degrading but inappropriate. This supervisor was known for her snide and bitchy remarks, which are unacceptable in any professional setting.

It is essential to have a respectful and professional environment, especially considering that the majority of the workforce is over the age of 30. Such incidents not only impact morale but also can significantly affect productivity and job satisfaction.

Conclusion

While working in a professional setting, itrsquo;s frustrating to see the culture degenerate into high school antics. Itrsquo;s time for organizations to step up and address such issues to create an environment where professionalism is the norm, not the exception.