New Manager Fires Her Most Tenured Bartender Over Minor Thing, Now 70% of Staff Wants To Quit

A respected bartender unwittingly caused an exodus at the bar where she worked after a new manager fired her to teach other employees a lesson. OP had worked at the bar for four years before the incident.

A customer who had been a regular for a decade offered OP $100 if she took a shot with him. OP made herself a sour mix and cranberry drink to match the color of the customer's alcoholic beverage.

OP wanted to make extra money but adhered to the bar's no-drinking policy for bartenders while she was on the clock. The new manager saw the entire exchange through security cameras.

OP was fired. She had no proof that the drink she mixed for herself was non-alcoholic, and she really couldn't be bothered to argue with the new manager, who was keen on proving her authority.

Besides, OP was preparing to leave the industry after her graduation and pursue a career in her field of study. OP informed the other bartenders in their group chat about what happened.

She had trained most of them. The bartenders were upset on her behalf and began complaining about the new manager.

They said they didn't want to work at the bar anymore if OP was no longer an employee. They wanted to give the new manager a real headache by quitting simultaneously.

OP was upset as well. She told the bartenders that if they didn't want their every move to be scrutinized or to worry about an unreasonable manager, then they should update their resumes.

u/big_hard_sun

She said they deserved better than to work for a psycho who would breathe down their necks when they had already proven they were good employees.

u/big_hard_sun

OP thinks she allowed her emotions to drive her actions. Her sister told her she should have kept quiet.

u/big_hard_sun

The Impact of Authority on Workplace Dynamics

Dr. Anne Peterson, a social psychologist at Harvard, emphasizes that authority figures can significantly influence workplace morale and employee behavior.

Research shows that authoritarian management styles often lead to increased turnover intentions, as employees feel undervalued and unsupported.

In this case, the manager's decision to fire a tenured employee over a minor infraction not only undermines trust but can also create a toxic work environment.

OP shared the story with her old manager, who always had her back. Their old manager actually taught OP the non-alcoholic shot trick to humor their customer's request.

u/big_hard_sun

Seven out of the ten bartenders were seriously planning to quit after what happened to OP. Did OP take things too far?

u/big_hard_sun

Managers underestimate how quickly their questionable leadership styles can ruin the rapport within their teams.

algelb

A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology illustrates how perceived injustice in the workplace can lead to feelings of anger and resentment among staff, ultimately affecting overall productivity.

When employees witness unfair treatment, as seen in this scenario, it can erode their commitment to the organization and prompt them to seek employment elsewhere.

The new manager just wanted to make an example out of OP. Her power trip will soon backfire.

big_hard_sun

Wouldn't a verbal warning have been enough to teach OP a lesson? Firing her for something so small seems like an overreaction.

[deleted], 1Viking

OP's sound advice to her coworkers is not excessive. It's what a good supervisor would do to protect the employees they trained and cared for.

a_kiss_sweet_mother

Understanding the No-Drinking Policy

Workplace policies can sometimes be perceived as overly rigid, leading to negative outcomes such as dissatisfaction and high turnover.

According to research from the American Psychological Association, clear communication and understanding of policies are crucial for fostering a collaborative environment.

This bartender's intentions behind her actions—mixing a non-alcoholic beverage—highlight the need for managers to engage in dialogue before making punitive decisions.

Jobs are difficult but tolerable. Awful managers make them unbearable and negatively affect morale.

a_kiss_sweet_mother

OP's new manager just wanted to flex her authority. She underestimated OP's social standing among her coworkers.

King_Rhymer

There is no telling if the other employees quit anyway.

Yunamalia

To mitigate potential fallout from such decisions, managers should consider implementing training on emotional intelligence and conflict resolution.

Evidence suggests that organizations investing in leadership development programs see marked improvements in employee satisfaction and retention rates.

Encouraging open discussions about policy interpretations and individual circumstances can enhance workplace cohesion.

Like OP, they could have made those promises under heightened emotions.

Yeahnofucks

Loyalty doesn't take priority when there are bills waiting to be paid.

morewormsMOREWORMS, newjobwhodis318

The new manager couldn't handle that there was someone else in the bar capable of running the place, maybe even better than she could.

TheaterRaptor

Psychological Safety in the Workplace

Research by Amy Edmondson at Harvard Business School indicates that fostering psychological safety is key to enhancing team performance.

When employees feel safe to express their concerns without fear of retribution, it cultivates an environment of trust and innovation.

In this case, the bartender’s actions might have been a plea for understanding, underscoring the importance of empathy in management practices.

There was no update on whether the other employees actually quit their jobs. OP said she hoped they had jobs lined up if they planned to follow through with resigning.

OP's new manager probably felt insecure because she was highly recommended by the previous manager. She couldn't handle sharing her authority, so the moment OP slipped up, she fired her.

Managers should prioritize creating a culture where feedback is welcome, and employees feel valued as integral parts of the team.

Implementing regular check-ins and anonymous feedback mechanisms can help leaders gauge morale and address concerns proactively.

Psychological Analysis

This situation illustrates how a lack of understanding and communication can lead to significant employee dissatisfaction and potential turnover.

It reflects a broader pattern where management decisions, made without considering individual circumstances, can create a climate of fear rather than collaboration.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Research supports that understanding employee experiences and fostering an inclusive environment is vital for organizational success.

According to Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, a happiness researcher, "When employees feel valued and understood, their engagement and productivity soar." He emphasizes that "creating a culture of empathy and open communication is essential for any thriving organization."

Ultimately, organizations thrive when their members feel heard and valued, reinforcing the need for thoughtful management practices.