35 Employee Confessions That Center On Companies' Hidden Secrets And Other Things That Will Surely Shock Us Ordinary People

Every company has a dark secret—something that people would be shocked about once they find out about it. The truth is that when businesses face a certain challenge, they want to find the easy, cheapest way out, even at the cost of quality or even safety.

Bad practices, sadly, are present in multiple industries. And they're no way we could know them unless you're within the organization.

Today, we're looking a the response of redditors toward a question about companies that are hiding something. It was posted on askreddit.

What are some company secrets you can now reveal since you don’t work for the company anymore?

The question was answered by thousands of employees who are aching to spill the dark secrets of the industry. From SPA workers and fast-food employees health care professionals, these people saw this as an opportunity to share the bad practices of companies.

These professionals may have signed to keep certain things confidential, but since these people are no longer part of the company and are anonymous online, they're willing to expose that information. According to business experts, some of the reasons why they don't mind divulging this sensitive information is that they don't have respect for the company and they're not satisfied with the role given to them.

Let's take a look at what these employees revealed. And prepare to be shocked.

1. Whole Foods instructs employees to heat cookies at the store. They don't bake these snacks, according to an ex-employee.

sauerpatchkid, Karsten Winegeart

2. Nothing's real in reality TV. A couple on HGTV's house hunters are pretending to look for a house.

In fact, it's already their property. The other houses on the show are either owned by their friends or already sold but the residents have yet to move in.

edinc90, Binyamin Mellish

3. Apple already knows the issues of their devices before they reveal them to people.

Those problems won't be discussed during the staff meetings in the morning. However, they will be the central discussion during the afternoon tech staff meetings.

Apply will blame the issue to the users, and will consider it user misuse or error. But they already know what's causing the damage.

MrFrankReynolds, Laurenz Heymann

In the realm of organizational psychology, workplace secrets often stem from a culture of fear and mistrust. Research conducted by Dr. Amy Edmondson at Harvard Business School highlights the concept of 'psychological safety,' which is crucial for fostering open communication within teams. When employees feel safe to speak up without fear of retribution, they are less likely to harbor secrets or engage in retaliatory behavior. Edmondson's studies suggest that organizations should emphasize transparency and support, which can lead to a more engaged and loyal workforce.

By creating an environment where employees feel secure to share their thoughts and concerns, companies might significantly reduce the likelihood of hidden employee grievances that culminate in workplace sabotage.

4. A smartphone company employee reveals the truth about the development of these devices.

Normally, developers test everything to ensure that these devices will run smoothly. But there's a thing called waivers.

Bugs, big or small, will be granted waivers so that they'll be fixed at a later time. In other words, the devices we purchase potentially have tons of unresolved errors.

This employee has a tip for consumers. Never purchase within three months of the release of a device.

Wait for devices produced in the second batch. They work 10 times better.

Project2r, camilo jimenez

5. Viagogo is a scam, according to a former employee.

They will go as far as taking your money even if they don't have the ticket you want to purchase. In fact, there's only about a 50% chance that you'll get an actual ticket to events.

reddit, Nirmal Rajendharkumar

6. A special education teacher reveals that the job can be dangerous.

Ihadacow, cottonbro

Social comparison theory elucidates why employees may feel compelled to expose their company's secrets. According to psychologists such as Dr. Leon Festinger, individuals evaluate themselves based on comparisons with others, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy if they perceive their work environment as unjust. This phenomenon can motivate employees to disclose sensitive information as a form of retribution or to seek validation from peers who might feel similarly oppressed. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology supports this, indicating that perceived inequities in the workplace can escalate feelings of resentment and lead to negative disclosures.

Organizations should therefore prioritize fairness and equitable treatment to mitigate these harmful dynamics.

7. Public libraries welcome all kinds of people, including indigent ones.

Such people drug themselves in the restrooms. According to the library staff revealing this, they would administer Narcan to opiate users.

But some aren't lucky. They die in the library.

NastyLittleBagginses, Ricardo Esquivel

8. Fred Meyer is a wasteful company according to a former employee. They trash loads of edible products.

Their oldest students are 21 years old. Since these educators also need to handle adults with special needs, they get injured or worse, get sexually harassed.

We get concussions, bites, broken wrists and arms, scalped, as well as sexualy assaulted by students who will grab you by your breast, pull out their d**k and start masturbating.Beezlegorp, Anthony Shkraba

9. An unused gift card will lose its value if you didn't use it for roughly an entire year.

Credit card companies actually use that value to pay for the service charges monthly. Therefore, a $50 gift card can potentially be gone and is used for something else.

Memetic1, Tiago Scharfy

Navigating Workplace Secrecy

Workplace culture plays a significant role in whether employees choose to keep secrets or share them. Dr. Brené Brown, a well-known researcher on vulnerability, emphasizes that fostering trust and open dialogue can transform how secrets are managed within an organization. Her research indicates that when leaders model vulnerability and encourage honest communication, employees are more likely to feel comfortable sharing concerns rather than resorting to secrecy or vindictive disclosure.

For companies grappling with internal conflicts, implementing regular feedback loops and open forums can empower employees to voice their concerns in a constructive manner, ultimately leading to a healthier organizational culture.

10. A skincare specialist reveals that all products that retail for $20 to $150 only cost less than 2 bucks to manufacture.

DWeb338, Mathilde Langevin

11. Health professionals will pretend to do something about an old patient who no longer has a pulse to avoid legal consequences.

pantograph23, Mat Napo

12. In a certain private school, grades can be bought. Teachers aren't allowed to give grades lower than B.

dwarvenmonk, Taylor Wilcox

According to research by Dr. Christina Maslach, a leading expert on burnout, a toxic work environment can lead employees to engage in destructive behaviors, including revealing confidential information. Maslach's studies demonstrate how chronic stress and emotional exhaustion can distort employees' perceptions, leading them to feel justified in compromising their company’s integrity as a form of self-preservation. This highlights the importance of addressing workplace stressors proactively.

Employers can implement stress-reduction strategies, such as wellness programs and mental health resources, to alleviate feelings of burnout and foster a more positive work environment.

13. Always wash your fruits and vegetables because staff pick them up from a dirty warehouse floor and place them on the grocery shelves.

x740xWastedx

14. Ice cube machines are not really clean, revealed by an ex-employee. So don't order drinks with ice.

Enrique Zafra

15. A pilot reveals that the blankets given during the flight are never washed.

_JackStraw_, Aleksei Zaitcev

The Role of Group Dynamics

Group dynamics can significantly influence how secrets are perceived and managed within organizations. Dr. Henri Tajfel's Social Identity Theory posits that individuals derive a sense of self from their group memberships, which can lead to in-group favoritism and out-group discrimination. In workplace settings, when employees feel disconnected from their organization, they may be more inclined to disclose secrets as a way of aligning with peers who share their grievances.

To counteract these tendencies, organizations should promote an inclusive culture where all employees feel valued and part of the team. This could involve team-building exercises or diversity training initiatives that strengthen connections between employees and enhance collective identity.

16. The staff at Geek Squad outsource their tech knowledge from India or some other countries.

They're merely salespeople. They don't know anything about the technicalities of the products they sell.

Moots_point, Paul Swansen

17. Applebees tip from an ex-staff:

On the tabletop computers, go to "Extras" and tap and hold the little white space on the top left of the screen. When it gives a password prompt, it's 4321. Lets you change the table numbers or play games for free.Atrrophy, Mike Mozart

18. There was no company mentioned, but the secret ingredient is just a Thousand Island dressing.

PrettySureISharted, Airam Dato-on

The phenomenon of whistleblowing can often be linked to the ethical climate of an organization. Researchers like Dr. Patricia H. Werhane have explored how a strong ethical framework can empower employees to report wrongdoing rather than keep secrets. Her work suggests that when organizations reinforce ethical standards and provide clear channels for reporting unethical behavior, employees are more likely to act in alignment with those values.

Implementing ethics training and establishing anonymous reporting systems can significantly enhance a culture of integrity, encouraging employees to speak out appropriately rather than resorting to revenge tactics.

19. Cookies on your browser are used against you when you're purchasing something online.

This is especially true for plane tickets. The more you check, the more the price rises.

You'd think that the price is going up because the products are selling out fast. In truth, the cookies are the reason you see increased prices, creating the urgency to buy.

Valendr0s

20. An ex-UPS employee reveals that the fragile sign is always ignored.

Kevoguy, Kevin Woblick

21. Memory Foam Clusters are made from old, recycled memory foam (meaning, the nasty stuff is in there). Never purchase these pillows!

The_Ginger_Wizard, Pavel Danilyuk

Understanding Retaliation

Retaliatory behaviors in the workplace often stem from feelings of betrayal or injustice. Dr. John Gottman, a renowned relationship expert, notes that perceived betrayals can lead individuals to respond in ways that are counterproductive and harmful. His research indicates that when employees feel wronged, they may engage in destructive behavior, including disclosing sensitive company information as a form of retribution.

To mitigate these risks, organizations should actively work to resolve conflicts before they escalate, utilizing conflict resolution strategies that emphasize restorative practices and dialogue.

22. Not all Starbucks stores follow protocols.

Unfortunately, an employee who was cleaning espresso machines with mold in them. You also have to be nice when placing your order.

Otherwise, you'll get decaf coffee. Even assistant store managers do this to customers who treat staff badly.

crimewavedd, Ricko Pan

23. Throwing everything away and the work speed required.

A White Castle employee, who worked from 2000 to 2003 revealed everything in the restaurant was clean. But, they trashed tons of food that were no longer good for serving customers.

For example, burger buns that got hard due to cooling get thrown away. If the sides or fries were placed under the heat lamp for 15 minutes, the employees will get rid of them.

That's not all. The food they threw away had to be tracked for inventory purposes.

The employees also had to work really fast. As they prepare hamburgers from start to finish, they also get timed.

wpmason, Deborah Lee Soltesz

24. Commercial beekeepers in the '70s and '80s poisoned roughly the entire hives to death in the fall.

This is because the total cost of wintering the hives is greater than receiving the packager from America. While it's not a dark secret, it's something that only a few are aware of.

Bokin0, Pixabay

Psychological reactance theory, developed by Dr. Jack Brehm, offers insight into why employees might disclose hidden company secrets. This theory posits that when individuals feel their freedoms are threatened, they may react by asserting those freedoms in unexpected ways, including revealing secrets. This can be particularly true in high-pressure environments where employees feel their autonomy is compromised.

To counteract this, organizations can foster a culture of empowerment, where employees are encouraged to express their opinions and contribute to decision-making processes. This can help minimize feelings of reactance and promote loyalty.

25. Companies selling animal premix include their competitor's products in their own ones.

DrMadlove, David Gabrielyan

26. Someone who was from a no-kill animal shelter admitted that they still had to put some animals down.

You can't rehome a Pitbull with a history of biting. Also, some dogs have the worse behavioral problems, leaving these employees no choice but to put them down.

Reddit, Mikhail Nilov

27. An ex-employee exposes that they didn't meet their contractual obligations to completely destroy the laptops that Google sent for decommissioning.

The HDDs are shredded. Then the laptops are sold for them to earn money.

septic_tongue, freestocks

Addressing Employee Grievances

Understanding the root causes of employee dissatisfaction is crucial for preventing the disclosure of sensitive information. According to research by Dr. Amy Wrzesniewski at Yale University, employees who find meaning in their work are less likely to engage in negative behaviors, including disclosing company secrets. Her studies suggest that fostering a sense of purpose can significantly enhance employee engagement.

Employers should consider implementing mentorship programs and opportunities for professional development, which can help employees feel more connected to their work and less likely to resort to negative behaviors.

28. Satellite TV customers are given a rating of 1 to 5 stars to determine their value.

The company will do anything to keep its high-scoring clients. But for 1 or 2-star clients? They won't bother helping you.

mermaidsthrowaway, Eric Lumsden

29. Even Ralph Lauren sells made-for-outlet clothes.

waasaabii, David Bartus

30. A certain high-end spa would only use vegetable oil and Epsom salts, but charge customers 65-dollar salt scrubs.

captnfirepants, SUN STUDIO CREATIVE

Finally, the concept of emotional intelligence, as articulated by Dr. Daniel Goleman, can play a pivotal role in how employees manage their emotions in relation to workplace culture. Employees with high emotional intelligence are better equipped to navigate conflicts and communicate effectively, reducing the likelihood of secretive behaviors. Studies show that organizations that prioritize emotional intelligence training often see improved workplace relationships and reduced instances of workplace secrets.

By investing in emotional intelligence programs, companies can cultivate a workforce that is resilient, empathetic, and less inclined to engage in harmful disclosures.

31. The $1200 car care system (which can go down to $900 with discounts), only involves 15 spray bottle squirts.

Customers won't get suspicious of the fast turnaround. That's because the dealer speaks with the detailing staff to make it seem like something major was done to the car.

DirtynDurham, SCREEN POST

32. Chickens and rabbits you see in zoos are actually food for larger animals.

Alexas Fotos

33. Trader Joe's employees are really nice, according to a former manager.

Artem Beliaikin

34. A Burger King employee admits that they don't clean the ice cream machine

Somben Chea

35. A former oil company employee reveals that animal cleanup resulting from an oil spill is a "feel good" propaganda.

People are tricked into thinking that the company is concerned about the creatures. The truth is, ninety percent of those animals will die soon.

Skalite4, Peter Ma

Did a lot of things shock you?

Thanks to these revelations, we can now be smarter consumers. So the next time you pick up food from a certain store, you might need to think twice.

These people who revealed the darkest secrets about their company did not have a voice when they worked there. So it's no wonder why they're spilling the beans now that they're no longer associated with the organization.

Psychological Analysis

The article highlights a prevalent theme in workplace dynamics: when employees feel disrespected or undervalued, they're more likely to disclose company secrets as a form of retaliation or validation. This behavior can often be rooted in feelings of betrayal or injustice, suggesting that organizations should prioritize open communication and ethical practices to foster a sense of belonging and trust. By addressing employee grievances and promoting a supportive culture, companies can mitigate the impulse to expose hidden secrets and improve overall morale.

Analysis generated by AI

Moving Forward: Actionable Steps

Research from the American Psychological Association emphasizes that fostering a transparent and psychologically safe workplace can significantly reduce the likelihood of employees harboring secrets or engaging in retaliatory behaviors. Studies indicate that when organizations prioritize open communication, fair treatment, and ethical standards, they create an environment where employees feel valued and less likely to disclose sensitive information out of spite. The key insight from this research is that cultivating a culture of trust and integrity isn't just beneficial for employee morale—it can also safeguard the organization's reputation and ensure long-term success.