Government Employee Earns Salary Despite Obsolete Position Due to Severance Oversight

A government employee apparently kept collecting a paycheck for 19 months, even though her job had basically turned into a waiting room. The whole thing started with a plague-tracking assignment in prairie dog towns, and once the cases dried up, the “work” didn’t exactly disappear.

Instead, the employees followed the vague memo like it was gospel. No tasks left, so they clocked in, pretended to work, and even took turns sleeping so someone would always be on lookout.

It’s the kind of severance oversight that makes you wonder how long a system will let you coast before it snaps back.

The OP's friend was able to relax at work for 19 months.

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A friend told the OP how she maliciously complied with the vague company memo.

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Job security significantly impacts employee morale and overall job satisfaction.

The job was to track plague cases in prairie dog towns.

When there were no tasks left to do, the employees simply waited for their reassignments.

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They still pretended to work since they didn't want to be accused of theft.

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Moreover, the situation reflects the psychological impact of perceived inequity in the workplace. Individuals who remain in positions despite downsizing may grapple with guilt or imposter syndrome, questioning their worth and contributions. A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology indicates that feelings of unfairness can lead to increased stress and decreased job satisfaction. Organizations must recognize the emotional toll that job security issues can have on employees.

The employees took turns sleeping so that someone would be on the lookout.

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When the employees thought that work would finally resume, they received a memo stating that their department had been cut.

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Strategies for Supporting Employees During Organizational Change

To foster a supportive environment, employers should communicate transparently about changes that may impact job security. Providing resources for employees to address their concerns can alleviate anxiety and promote engagement. Research shows that organizations that prioritize open communication during transitions often see improved morale and satisfaction among employees. By creating a culture of transparency, companies can help employees navigate uncertainties with greater resilience.

The project was axed by the state fish and game department.

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The email didn't state anything about their job status.

So the employees would clock in and sleep at work.

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The complicated part was that the email never said what their job status was, so the state fish and game department effectively left them stuck in limbo, not laid off, not reassigned, just waiting.

Additionally, offering career development opportunities can enhance feelings of security and belonging among employees. By prioritizing employee well-being and growth, organizations can cultivate a more committed and engaged workforce, even during challenging times.

Nobody bothered to check on them to see if they were working.

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The boss finally realized the whole situation when the OP's friend informed her that they were still working in the department that had been cut.

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The employees of the department in question are not at fault. They were simply following what they were told. The lack of communication and oversight led to a situation where employees were left in limbo, uncertain about their roles and responsibilities.

This is similar to the drama where a controlling SIL tried to take over the baby shower.

The employees were both let go with severance pay.

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The OP explains the malicious compliance further.

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She received responses from users, telling her that situations like this really happen.

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These redundant employees are still receiving their salaries despite their department being cut.

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The OP updates people on what exactly her friend and the other employee were doing.

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The friend edited Wikipedia pages and learned a new skill.

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The coworker conducted an experiment.

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Their Christmas activities.

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The coworker landed a great job.

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Apparently, the whole thing happened before the smartphone era.

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The OP's friend also landed a great job.

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Her friend is working for real now.

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The gist of it all.

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Stories from other Redditors started pouring in.

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Something similar happened at an airport.

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The government and big corporations lose track of employees; that's why this kind of situation happens.

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Even their sleeping schedule became part of the job, with employees taking turns dozing so someone could watch for “real work” like it might magically restart.

Then the department cut memo hit, and suddenly the whole plan, from pretending to work to surviving the silence, collided with the reality that the project was gone.

The situation described highlights a perplexing intersection of job security and organizational oversight. The Redditor's friend's experience serves as a case study in how compliance with seemingly innocuous directives can lead to unexpected outcomes, such as salary without duties. This incident underscores the importance of transparency within organizations. When employees feel secure in their positions, even those rendered obsolete due to administrative errors, it can inadvertently affect their morale and perceptions of fairness in the workplace. The need for effective communication and proper management of severance policies is evident, as it not only affects individual employees but can also shape the overall culture and resilience of the workforce.

Nobody wants to be the last person to find out their position was axed.

For another messy family showdown, read why someone called out grandma’s secret ingredient at dinner.