Redditor And His Colleagues Use Their Outdated Company Handbook To Teach Their Boss Lesson
"The constant pinging of email notifications became a hilarious office song."
As employees, whatever our boss says goes, right? But does that still apply when what they say is a little ridiculous?
One Reddit user shared a story in the r/maliciouscompliance subreddit about how he and his colleagues used their company handbook to teach their boss a lesson. Reddit user u/ConsciousFlight7402 explained that he works in a medium-sized office with a very particular manager.
The OP states that the company has a 300-page handbook filled with outdated rules and regulations. When one of the OP's colleagues made a small mistake recently, the boss called a meeting and announced that the staff would need to follow the handbook rules to the letter from then on, with no exceptions.
So, the staff decided to take him literally and obey every rule, no matter what the consequences. One of the rules stated that everyone must wear a tie, so some of the women in the office started wearing outlandish ties to work every day.
Another rule stated that every document needed to be printed in triplicate. So, the staff did exactly that, and the printers began jamming and were always out of paper.
The handbook regulations only got worse from there, with supervisors needing to be CC'd into every email and announcements having to be made whenever any small change occurred. Needless to say, after a few days of this, the OP's manager was fed up and realized he had made a big mistake.
He called another meeting and announced that perhaps it would be best for the staff to "use their best judgment" and not solely rely on the handbook. Keep scrolling to see how people reacted.
The Reddit user shared a story about how he and his colleagues used their company handbook to teach their boss a lesson.
Reddit/ConsciousFlight7402He explained that he works in a medium-sized office with a very particular manager.
Reddit/ConsciousFlight7402When one of the OP's colleagues made a small mistake recently, the boss called a meeting and announced that the staff would need to follow the handbook rules to the letter from then on with no exceptions.
Reddit/ConsciousFlight7402
Understanding Workplace Dynamics and Humor
The humorous approach taken by the colleagues to address their boss's behavior reflects an interesting dynamic in workplace relationships. Dr. Amanda Lee, an organizational psychologist at MIT, explains that humor can serve as a coping mechanism in stressful work environments. Her research suggests that humor fosters camaraderie and can help diffuse tension, but it can also mask underlying issues that need to be addressed.
This duality highlights the importance of balancing humor with direct communication to ensure that workplace dynamics remain healthy.
After a few days of this, the OP's manager was fed up and knew he had made a big mistake.
Reddit/ConsciousFlight7402
The handbook is now "under revision."
Reddit/ConsciousFlight7402
You can read some of the outlandish rules below.
Reddit/ConsciousFlight7402
Furthermore, studies indicate that while humor can enhance team cohesion, it can also lead to misunderstandings if not used appropriately. A study published in the Journal of Business Psychology reveals that humor can sometimes alienate individuals who do not share the same sense of humor or who are affected by the underlying issue being joked about. This emphasizes the need for sensitivity and awareness in workplace interactions.
Here's how people reacted.
Reddit/hotmessexpress44
"Some things shouldn't be a rule."
Reddit/LibraryMouse4321
That mental image though.
Reddit/butterfly-garden
Navigating Humor in the Workplace
To effectively navigate humor in the workplace, it’s essential for teams to establish norms around communication. Research from the American Psychological Association suggests that creating an open dialogue about what is considered appropriate humor can prevent misunderstandings and foster a more inclusive environment. Encouraging employees to express concerns directly can help maintain a balance between humor and respectful communication.
Additionally, training sessions focused on effective communication can enhance team dynamics and improve overall workplace satisfaction.
A true example of malicious compliance.
Reddit/KrishnaChick
Okay, but we need to see the ties!
Reddit/Mad-Dog20-20
"Sheesh!"
Reddit/champagneanddust
"You gave him something to think about."
Reddit/Cfwydirk
The tie rule needs to stay!
Reddit/Len923
"Well done!"
Reddit/JustMePatrick
"That's the most insane break policy I have ever heard of."
Reddit/thatburghfan
The best!
Reddit/DodgyRogue
Modern age mutiny.
Reddit/MissyInAK
Think outside the box.
Reddit/Swiggy1957
That old Reddit trap.
Reddit/wolfie379
"Hilarious!"
Reddit/Unlikely_Suspect_757
What are your thoughts on this situation? Do you think the OP and his colleagues handled the problem maturely, or were they being childish here?
As always, we would love to hear your opinions on this topic. You can share your thoughts with us in the comment section and let us know how you would have handled things.
Psychological Analysis
This situation illustrates the complexities of humor in workplace relationships. While humor can create camaraderie, it’s vital to ensure that it doesn’t overshadow important issues that need addressing. Open communication is key to maintaining a healthy work environment.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
In conclusion, humor can play a valuable role in workplace dynamics when used effectively. However, it’s essential to balance humor with respectful communication to maintain a healthy work environment. Psychological research underscores the importance of establishing clear norms around humor and communication to foster positive workplace relationships.
