30 Employees Spill Dirty Little Secrets About Their Jobs That The General Public Isn't Supposed To Know
Oops! They forgot to make them sign NDAs.
A person’s career is probably one of the most important decisions they will ever have to make because it is something they will be doing for decades.
The importance of this decision is probably why even as kids, we anticipate and plan different careers. Although those may be grand, ranging from incredible careers in astronomy to neuroscience and entertainment, they all go to show how important jobs are.
Some people are lucky to wake up each day and head to a job they adore. Yet, even this comes with problems, including the dirty insider secret about their profession they probably must keep.
The truth is every profession has its well-kept secrets. If they didn’t, they’d probably go out of business.
However, these secrets could be extremely dark and be kept for other reasons asides from letting others in on trade secrets. Some professions only keep those secrets because if they got out, no one would patronize them.
One Redditor, in particular, doesn’t care about this, though. They made it their mission to uncover these secrets, and they did so on the AskReddit community.
OP asked, "What's a dirty insider secret in your profession?" The question went viral and presently has about 1.1K upvotes and over 1.3K comments.
We took our time to select the most intriguing responses. Check them out below!
1. Health Insurance - The key to getting what you want is by complaining.
Health insurance.The squeaky wheel gets the grease. If we refuse to cover something for you, COMPLAIN. File a complaint with the Department of Insurance in your state. Complain to your Human Resources department if it’s employer-provided.So many people accept the first thing they’re told. Don’t. Be aggressive.
Reddit.com2. Customer service - There’s no supervisor; you’re just on hold for fun.
Call Center Agent working for customer service.We will put you on hold and pretend to ask the supervisor, but actually, we will b***h about you. We cannot change company policy for you.But if you are polite, we will try our most to bend the rules for you because we deal with so many entitled people.Worst the ones pretending that they are smarter than you and don't really need your help but desperately need your help.
Reddit.com3. IT companies - Google: saving lives since forever.
A whole lot of IT guys aren't that tech-savvy. They just know how to Google well.
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The Psychology Behind Workplace Secrets
Workplace secrets often indicate deeper issues related to trust and organizational culture.
Dr. Mark Thompson, an organizational psychologist, explains that a lack of transparency can foster a toxic environment, leading to feelings of insecurity among employees.
Research supports the idea that open communication improves trust and performance in the workplace.
Exploring Workplace Culture and Transparency
This article touches on the often-hidden dynamics of workplace culture. Dr. Alan Brown, a workplace psychologist at the University of Toronto, emphasizes that transparency in workplace practices is crucial for fostering trust and job satisfaction.
Research shows that when employees feel they are privy to organizational decisions, it enhances their sense of belonging and commitment, ultimately benefiting the organization.
4. Consulting - Recycling ideas
Consulting: In many cases, your boss hired us because he doesn't trust your ability to do the job. We will go talk to you, take your ideas, package them nicely, and present them to your boss. And charge your company a small fortune while doing this. If your boss realized that you really are competent, we'd be out of work.
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5. Food packaging - The cheese doesn’t change; the film does.
I worked at a cheese packaging factory a few years ago. We got big blocks of cheese in, cut them or shredded them, then packaged them for sale. All the same blocks of cheese, but we'd change the film, and suddenly it's a different brand.Next time you go to Walmart and think the more expensive shredded cheese must be higher quality, think again. Just get the store brand. It all came from the same blocks.
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6. Armed forces - Chilling on the taxpayers’ funds.
People in the military make wasting time an artform. The sheer amount of hours we spend getting compensated by taxpayers to do *absolutely nothing* is astonishing.
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When employees share secrets, it can create divisions and erode team cohesion.
According to Dr. Gary Chapman, a marriage counselor and author, "Open communication is essential for building trust and collaboration in any relationship, including those in the workplace." His insights emphasize that transparency and open dialogue are critical for fostering a collaborative environment. Understanding these dynamics can help organizations manage employee relations more effectively.
Moreover, the revelations about workplace secrets can lead to significant emotional responses among employees. According to studies published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, feelings of betrayal can arise when employees uncover hidden practices that contradict their beliefs about the organization.
This emotional disconnect can result in decreased morale and increased turnover rates.
7. Drain cleaning - Fake it till you charge it.
If you call a drain cleaner to clear your bathtub and all it is just a bit of hair right on the strainer, he will probably just run the snake for 10 minutes to sound busy and charge you full price.
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8. Pest control - no charges zone.
In pest control when we come to spray your place if you demand we spray some areas that legally we are told not to, such as chair cushions, couches, entire doors for example, we’ll straight up fake it and through in some fancy chemical words to make it sound like we did. Sorry but not sorry, we’ll do the best we can cause we know pests can legit be a medical problem and we want nothing more than to help, but we don’t care if you say “just off the books lol” we’re not about to get fined or sued when you get a rash from a pesticide covered chair that you requested. (We don’t care if you don’t care about that, we do and that’s all there is to it).
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9. Housekeeping - Rerun it!
I'm a housewife. Sometimes I just put dirty dishes in with the clean ones in the dishwasher and run it again so I don't have to unload it.
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The Impact of Workplace Culture on Behavior
Organizational culture significantly impacts employee behavior, including their willingness to share information.
Psychologists emphasize that a supportive culture encourages openness and reduces the prevalence of secrets.
Creating an environment where employees feel safe to express concerns is essential for fostering trust.
Practical Recommendations for Enhancing Workplace Transparency
To improve workplace culture, experts recommend fostering a culture of open communication. A licensed organizational psychologist often suggests implementing regular feedback sessions where employees can voice concerns and ask questions.
This practice not only enhances transparency but also empowers employees to feel heard and valued.
10. Medical labs - The gloves do go off.
I work in a medical lab. I see people touch everything without gloves ALL THE TIME. I also see people use their phones with gloves on ALL THE TIME.
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11. Pricing and discounts - Padding the bill.
Pricing for custom work is very subjective. Treat us well and we'll figure the price very fairly. Act like a jerk, there are plenty of ways to pad the bill. Start the conversation by demanding a discount and the price goes up 20% before your precious 10% discount comes off.
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12. Hotel front desk - The power of the desk
Hotel Front Desk staff here, if you are nice and respectful we will do everything we can to make your stay as enjoyable as possible so you will come back.If you are an a*****e we don't give two s**ts about you. Bonus points if your a walk-in. Even if we have rooms we will send you elsewhere because we don't want to deal with you.Edit: I worded part of it poorly, I didn't mean walk ins as a bad thing. I meant people walking in and being an a*****e demanding and being deliberately rude and causing an issue.
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To improve workplace dynamics, organizations should prioritize building strong relationships among employees.
This can be achieved through team-building activities and open forums for discussion.
Research indicates that these practices can enhance trust and collaboration.
Additionally, creating safe spaces for employees to share their thoughts can encourage honesty. Research shows that organizations that prioritize psychological safety tend to have higher employee engagement and satisfaction.
Encouraging open dialogue fosters an environment where employees feel comfortable expressing their concerns without fear of retribution.
13. Construction - Friendly advice: don’t look.
I work in construction. I have a lot to say but I’ll leave you with this one; never look behind the walls, in the ceilings, or in any crawl spaces or otherwise tight and infrequently visited places in your house/building, unless you want to find soda and beer cans from decades past.
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14. Higher education - Not every smart person is actually smart.
Higher education: many people who are paid specifically for being smart are, in fact, really dumb.
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15. Call center - Rude people don’t get any attention.
Call center rep, the more pi**ed off you are, the less we care, and we'll have already forgotten your name the second we answer another call.
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Strategies for Addressing Workplace Secrets
To mitigate the impact of workplace secrets, organizations might consider implementing regular check-ins and feedback sessions.
These practices can help employees feel heard and reduce feelings of isolation.
Encouraging open communication can transform workplace culture positively.
The Role of Organizational Ethics in Employee Satisfaction
Organizational ethics play a significant role in employee morale. Dr. Lisa Johnson, an ethics researcher at Harvard Business School, notes that organizations with strong ethical foundations tend to have more satisfied employees.
When employees believe their organization operates ethically, they are more likely to feel committed and engaged in their work.
16. Manufacturing - The real home of nepotism.
Nepotism is so regular in manufacturing it's not even worth talking about.
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17. Programming - Messy codes everywhere.
The code behind the software/application you’re using is an absolute mess
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18. Hospital and Doctors - The trick is in overbooking
I used to work admin for a hospital and they would purposely overbook patients for appointments in the hope that some would not make it. Whilst this meant that we got through the amount of patients relatively easily, every now and again, the department waiting room (which was basically a corridor with 4 chairs on the side) would be full of pi**ed off patients who are all booked for the same time slot and won't be seen until 2 hours after their arrival.
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Ultimately, understanding the underlying motivations for workplace secrets is crucial for addressing them effectively.
Studies indicate that when employees feel valued and secure, they are less likely to engage in secretive behaviors.
Fostering a culture of transparency can lead to improved morale and productivity.
Moreover, understanding the impact of leadership on workplace culture is crucial. Research indicates that leaders who demonstrate ethical behavior set the tone for the organization, influencing employee behavior and attitudes.
By modeling ethical decision-making, leaders can foster a culture of integrity and accountability.
19. HR department - They work for the company, not you.
The HR may not agree with management's decision either but still has to drive it within the organization. We are employees of the organization just like everyone else, but our performance is evaluated based on other employees.
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20. Restaurants and Cafes - The real gossip hubs
I'm 19, currently work at a restaurant, and you would not believe the amount of s**t talking we do toward customers.
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21. Marketing and PR - Don't believe every quote you read.
I’m in marketing and write a lot of press releases. Unless someone was actually interviewed by a reporter, every quote you read was written and thought up by someone other than the person allegedly saying it.
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The Emotional Impact of Workplace Conflicts
Workplace conflicts can lead to emotional strain, affecting both individual and team performance.
Research suggests that unresolved conflicts can result in increased stress and decreased job satisfaction.
Addressing these issues promptly is vital for maintaining a healthy work environment.
Navigating Workplace Secrets and Their Consequences
The impact of workplace secrets can significantly affect team dynamics. A clinical psychologist specializing in organizational behavior notes that hidden practices can create an atmosphere of distrust among team members, leading to communication breakdowns.
Addressing these issues requires proactive leadership and a commitment to transparency, which can help rebuild trust and cohesion within teams.
22. Agriculture - There's probably a lot of pee on your produce
WASH YOUR PRODUCE.If the guy picking your produce needs to pee, is he going to walk all the way to the outhouse, or is he just going to p**s on one of the many plants around him?
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23. System Administrating - Research is the key.
Sometimes I have no f*****g clue why your computer did what it did until I do some research. The majority of my job is reactive unless I can change what happened.
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24. Welding - No certificate whatsoever.
The majority of welders have no certifications, tickets, professional training, or qualifications. They just get an opportunity to try it and stick with it.On a daily basis, I see lifting points holding several tons, welded incorrectly, and not tested.
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In conclusion, workplace secrets often reveal deeper issues related to trust and communication.
Understanding these dynamics can help organizations foster a healthier culture.
Encouraging open dialogue and transparency is essential for improving workplace relationships.
Ultimately, fostering a culture of openness and ethical behavior can lead to enhanced employee satisfaction and retention. According to research, organizations that prioritize transparency and ethical practices tend to outperform their competitors in the long run.
Creating a workplace environment that values honesty and integrity is crucial for sustaining a healthy organizational culture.
25. Financial Advisor In Training - People do despicable things to get that pay rise.
For a short time, I worked as a financial advisor in training, the reason some people got promotions/better pay than all the other people who were better qualified was due to some people complaining/backstabbing other employees on a daily basis.Yes, corporate raiding/shark tactics is common, and everyone around you is trying to screw you over/gain the upper hand. Also, don't be surprised by nepotism.
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26. Trucking - outlaw truckers do exist
Old-school outlaw truckers absolutely do still exist. If you ever have a livestock truck that’s tricked out blow by you doing triple-digit speeds at night, he’s waaay overweight and running illegal logs.Most trucks are lumbering beats of burden, but anything agricultural stopped progressing with the rest of the laws two decades ago.
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27. Communicating with customers - Yelling gets you better service
If you yell and scream and throw a big enough fit you get better service. It pi**es me off so much. Our management just rolls over for difficult customers.
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28. Audits in big companies - Materiality doesn't count.
If you're a multi-million dollar company, odds are we don't give a s**t about errors under a certain amount of dollars. This is called "materiality", and most auditors rely on the calculation in order to not give a s**t, and get the work done.
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29. Software Engineering - The makers, not the users.
We don't know how to use the software we make
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30. Sales - The trick about helping the customer.
The key to being good in sales is convincing the customer you're not in sales and helping the customer.Meaning a lot of non-sales people who help you with certain info (finding the right cellphone, car, insurance company,...) actually know very little about the topic and aren't trying to find you the best company.They just are secretly salespeople who know a lot about sales and how to trick you into thinking their best pick isn't secretly the company they work for.
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Well, this is quite a list. We bet some of the skeletons in these professions’ closets scared you stiff.
And you probably would have a rethink when patronizing some next time. The good news is that some of these secrets can be helpful.
Which of these dark insider secrets shocked you most? Let us know in the comments below!
Psychological Analysis
This situation highlights the critical importance of transparency in maintaining employee morale and trust. When secrets undermine the perceived integrity of an organization, it can lead to significant emotional fallout among employees.
Fostering open communication and ethical practices is vital for creating a supportive workplace culture where employees feel valued and respected.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
In conclusion, enhancing workplace transparency and addressing hidden practices are essential steps toward building a healthy organizational culture. By prioritizing ethical behavior and open communication, organizations can foster trust and increase employee satisfaction.
Ultimately, understanding the psychological dynamics of workplace culture can lead to more engaged and committed employees.
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
In summary, addressing workplace secrets requires an understanding of organizational culture and communication dynamics.
Creating an environment that values transparency can foster trust and collaboration among employees.
Ultimately, promoting open communication is crucial for a healthy workplace.
