30 Times People Made Complaints About Employees That Sound So Insane But Are Actually True

Despite all the work spent on hiring and screening new employees, a business may still have a few poor workers who may have performed well in the interview but poorly on the job. A manager can step in early if they spot cues that a new hire might not fit.

A corporation might suffer greatly from bad employees. Even good employees can become stressed and unhappy in a toxic workplace due to their inability or unwillingness to fulfill their duties and their general indifference to what is happening around them. As Dr. Shawn Achor, a positive psychology researcher, states, "The greatest competitive advantage in the modern economy is a positive and engaged workforce" (shawnachor.com).

This can result in even lower productivity and an increase in absenteeism. Additional onboarding, coaching, and training may be used to address poor employee conduct, but if such measures are ineffective, there are clear grounds for termination. According to Dr. Carol Dweck, a motivation researcher, "Employees thrive in environments where they feel valued and supported" (mindsetworks.com).

One bad apple, so the saying goes, can spoil the whole bunch. It's interesting that employees experience the same thing.

Some of these slackers are rather adept at hiding their flaws, but not all of them are. The Dr. William Doherty, a family therapist, emphasizes that "Identifying and addressing poor performance early can prevent larger issues down the road" which resonates with the experiences shared by many managers.

The most notable responses from that discussion are shown here.

1. This is horrible

anon

2. What!

tuesdayteatime

3. This is messed up

The_Sad_Penis

This collection of complaints reveals the often-hidden dynamics of workplace relationships and the psychological impact of employee interactions.

Dr. Rachel Adams, an organizational psychologist, suggests that these complaints often stem from unmet expectations and miscommunication.

Her research highlights that when employees feel unheard, it can lead to frustration and decreased job satisfaction.

The Impact of Negative Feedback on Employee Morale

Complaints about employees can significantly impact morale and productivity in the workplace. According to Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a happiness researcher, "Persistent negative feedback can lead to feelings of inadequacy and disengagement, ultimately resulting in burnout." Understanding the psychological impact of criticism is crucial in maintaining a healthy work environment. In this context, the expression of complaints may reflect deeper issues related to management style and employee satisfaction, as noted by Dr. Sue Johnson, a couples therapy pioneer, who emphasizes that "the way we communicate can either build or destroy relationships, including those in the workplace."

4. Terminal illness

vaz_de_firenze

It continues...

vaz_de_firenze

5. Horrific

As an area manager for a chain of electrical stores, one Saturday I got a garbled voicemail telling me: 'store manager', 'deputy manager' and 'sales manager' at a certain location had shrink-wrapped 'a sales guy' to a wheely-chair, put him in the back of the delivery lorry -unrestrained- and done doughnuts in the car park so the poor lad was getting smashed into the walls & bulkhead with no way to protect himself, as all limbs were confined due to the dozens of layers of shrink-wrap. One of the 'warehouse guys' was in the back filming the whole thing on his phone...Until I saw the video and the absolute state of the poor sales guy, I really thought I was being pranked.He ended up with 2 broken arms (one broken in two places), 1 broken ankle, severe bruising almost all over and a bleed on his brain.Horrific.The-Sassy-Pickle

The Psychology of Employee Complaints

Employee complaints can be understood through the lens of social psychology, where perceived injustices trigger strong emotional responses.

According to studies published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, complaints often serve as a coping mechanism for individuals who feel powerless in their work environments.

Understanding these dynamics can help organizations address underlying issues and improve workplace culture.

Moreover, the way feedback is delivered plays a critical role in how it is received. Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, a renowned executive coach, emphasizes the importance of constructive feedback that focuses on behavior rather than personal attributes. This approach not only helps employees improve but also fosters a culture of growth and support.

Research shows that organizations that prioritize positive reinforcement alongside constructive criticism tend to have higher employee satisfaction rates.

6. Stalker

notimprezaed

7. Stealing

whynotsayitanyway

8. Bank story

guessdragon

Moreover, the phenomenon of 'toxic workplaces' can exacerbate these complaints, leading to a culture of blame rather than accountability.

Research indicates that workplaces characterized by fear and criticism can significantly impact employee morale and retention rates.

Addressing these underlying issues is vital for fostering a healthier organizational culture.

Understanding the Psychology of Complaints

The act of making complaints often stems from a desire for improvement and accountability. According to research published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior, employees who feel empowered to voice their concerns contribute to a more transparent and accountable work culture.

This empowerment can lead to better outcomes for both employees and organizations, enhancing overall productivity and morale.

9. Stamp card

gutterferret

10. Mall security guard

Just remembered one that was super bad. Security guard at a mall. This coworker, probably late 30s-esrly 40s, was a really weird dude. Pretty sure he was barely functioning autistic but also down right gross and would frequently take people's left over food out the trash and eat the rest if they didn't finish. Anyways one day this dude finds a woman smoking outside one of the doors and it's a no smoking property. He bold face lies to the woman about what he can and can't do and threatens to give her a 500$ fine for violating fire safety laws unless she sucks his d**k. She asks for an hour to think about it and asks for his number to get in touch with him. She gets his number and immediately goes up to our camera room and asks for the big boss and tells him what happened. By boss, understandably doesn't believe her at first. She then calls him on the number she got and puts it on speaker phone. She asks him to explain the offer again before she decides to follow through. He explains it all again while boss man listens quietly in the back ground. Boss man picks up the phone and yells at him that he's fired and to drop all his stuff off and that he'll be arrested in the spot if he ever comes back.Senplis

11. Popcorn

FarmerTex

The Impact of Leadership on Workplace Dynamics

Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping workplace culture and employee satisfaction.

Studies show that leaders who model positive behaviors and encourage open communication can help mitigate conflicts and foster a supportive environment.

Training for leaders in emotional intelligence and conflict resolution can enhance their ability to manage employee relationships effectively.

To address the underlying issues that prompt complaints, organizations should implement regular feedback mechanisms that encourage employee input. This can include anonymous surveys or suggestion boxes that allow employees to express concerns without fear of retaliation. Research supports the idea that creating a safe space for feedback can lead to significant improvements in workplace satisfaction.

Additionally, providing training for managers on effective communication strategies can enhance their ability to handle complaints constructively.

12. An intern

I just fired an intern because he thought it'd be funny to smack one of the girls on the a*s. Upon further investigation, she had been having anxiety coming to work because he would ask all sorts of ridiculously inappropriate questions. For example, he asked her if she had a good weekend. She told him it was a good weekend or some plain answer and he then asked her if it was because she f****d her boyfriend a lot. Needless to say, her anxiety was warranted and we fired him as soon as we could. The mood in my group seems a bit more relaxed this week...BabyEinstein2016

13. "None of these will beat the guy who worked at the local pinata factory who was caught f*****g the pinatas. He was caught on CCTV and fired. He later sued them because he claimed they rigged the pinata to f**k up his d**k."

anon

14. Large scary dude

arkaydee

Additionally, the stress of dealing with complaints can lead to burnout among both employees and managers.

Research from occupational health psychology emphasizes that chronic stress can negatively impact mental and physical well-being.

Providing resources for stress management and promoting a healthy work-life balance is essential for maintaining employee satisfaction.

The Role of Organizational Culture in Employee Satisfaction

Organizational culture plays a pivotal role in shaping employee experiences and satisfaction. A positive culture fosters belonging and engagement, while a negative culture can lead to high turnover rates and dissatisfaction. Studies show that organizations with clear values and supportive environments tend to retain employees longer and experience better overall performance.

Recognizing the signs of a toxic culture is essential for organizations aiming to improve employee morale and productivity.

15. Employee

Had an employee that was actively robbing local banks on his days off. I believe he hit 8-9 different banks before he got caught. Found out about it during an early am FBI raid of the employee locker/break rooms done in conjunction with a raid on his house. To say it was a shock was an understatement. He wasn’t even top 20 of my list of potential felonious employees.naptrapped

16. "She was peeing on the chairs in the office. No, she didn't have any sort of health issues. She just didn't feel like walking to the bathroom. AFAIK she still works there."

tempthethrowaway

17. "So I worked retail and we got this guy named something like Gus."

My boss tells me, "Hey this guy's got anxiety, go easy on him OK?" And so I was like, okay that's cool I get it I can relate. I do everything I can to help him make sense of the infernal godforsaken hellscape that is retail.DEEPTHROATHOTDOGES

Strategies for Improving Workplace Culture

To create a more positive workplace culture, organizations should consider implementing regular feedback mechanisms that allow employees to express their concerns safely.

Workshops focusing on team-building and communication skills can also enhance relationships and reduce misunderstandings.

Additionally, establishing clear guidelines for handling complaints can foster a more constructive approach to addressing issues.

To cultivate a healthier organizational culture, leaders should prioritize initiatives that promote inclusivity and collaboration. Team-building activities and recognition programs can significantly improve morale and foster a sense of community among employees. Research indicates that organizations that invest in their culture often see a return on investment through increased productivity and employee loyalty.

Regular assessments of workplace culture can also help identify areas for improvement and guide strategic initiatives.

It continues...

DEEPTHROATHOTDOGES

18. Dispatcher

Professional_March54

19. Coworker with a stench

sleepylun3

20. "I've got a lot of these. Customer complained employee was stealing. Didn't believe it, at first.The gayest man I've ever known was stealing Playboy magazines. No idea why. Got caught with them. Multiple copies of the same issue. Fired."

It continues

bunnieluv

21. "Once had a co-worker selling shrimp from the dumpster. Picked them out after brunches. Popped a few on a skewer, and sold them in the bars that night. Got caught in a bar with the manager, and the CCTV caught him dumpster diving. They had him arrested."

pineapplewin

22. "I was the head night auditor at an upscale airport property. Had a youngish night auditor who put a room into out of order status and let his friends in to party and have an orgy that he joined during his lunch break. He got caught because of a noise complaint. Police called, he was fired and blacklisted from being hired back."

Faethor_Ferenczy

23. "We had to terminate an assistant manager for walking by other employees and farting near them and walking away. He was warned about it first and kept doing it."

cadff

24. Student discount

A chain restaurant here does student discount of 30% off. One of the waiters, who was a student himself, would use his own student discount whenever a table paid full price in cash, and keep the difference for himself.Only got found out because head office emailed the manager to check why one student had eaten at the restaurant 5 times a day for the last few weeks.UncleSnowstorm

25. Jewelry counter

stuckNTX_plzsendHelp

26. "That a employee took a women’s phone number from her account at the store we worked at and called her. I never thought anyone was that stupid."

Alarming_Lifeguard_8

27. "Local hardware store had an employee jacking and putting it in a coworkers' coffee. True story. People found out and he was arrested."

anon

28. "my friend used to work in HR at this holistic wellness place and one of the staff members who always had one of those reusable straw cups was literally dRINKING HIS OWN PEE OUT OF IT like during meetings and everything!!?!??! she quit pretty soon after."

squorl_gorl

29. "While working at a well known hardware store, had a coworker build a hideout in the insulated aisle. He would disappear for hours while clocked in, no one knew where he would go. One day he's being escorted out, apparently a manager found him sleeping in his hideout."

Sweet_Spice_Pepper

30. Nasty worker

easy0lucky0free

Bad employees, as they are commonly known, can have an impact on businesses of any size and in any sector. Although they initially make an impression during the interview process, underperforming workers now pose a severe threat to your company. 

Do you have your own employee story to share? Drop them in the comments below.

Psychological Analysis

This scenario illustrates the complexities of workplace dynamics and the impact of negative feedback on employee morale. Constructive communication is essential for fostering a supportive work environment. Organizations must prioritize open dialogue and positive reinforcement to create a culture that promotes employee well-being.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, addressing the psychological dynamics of employee complaints is crucial for fostering a positive work environment. Research consistently highlights the importance of constructive feedback and a supportive organizational culture in enhancing employee satisfaction. By prioritizing these elements, organizations can improve both morale and productivity.

Psychological Analysis

This scenario illustrates the challenges of maintaining positive workplace relationships in the face of complaints and misunderstandings.

Recognizing the importance of open communication and accountability is crucial for fostering a supportive workplace culture.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Overall, understanding the psychological factors behind employee complaints can lead to more effective organizational strategies.

Research consistently supports the idea that fostering open communication and accountability is essential for employee satisfaction.

By addressing these issues proactively, organizations can create healthier workplace environments that benefit both employees and management.