Land of Oz

Morale Booster/Busters

Who is it that makes the policies for "morale boosting" in a company? I've never quite figured that out. Right now, I have in my email box two emails from management. One tells me that on casual days wearing caps and t-shirts is very frowned upon as it isn't professional. The other email tells me that I should be wearing a t-shirt and cap this week to promote morale and professionalism. It's not just this current company either. Of course I say this both because it's true and also to keep me from getting into trouble.

I spent 22 years in the military and we'd often get some totally out of touch commanding officer who would do some strange thing to promote morale, while in actuality putting it into the dumps. One common item is to come up with weird clothing item to promote morale. A special cap or scarf would often be chosen. Naturally, that's one more item you have to purchase and maintain. Granted they'd usually issue you the first one, but then you had to keep it clean and usually you'd need at least a couple more in case you lost or damaged the first one. Not to mention having to keep in mind you'd get chewed out if you weren't wearing the item in the approved manner.

Another one is a party with the boss - sigh. As if one can relax at a party with the boss. Of course they always say, what is said here, stays here. As if! What drives me crazy is when they take you to a restaurant and the boss orders a drink. Then what do you do? Do you order a drink as well to fit in? If you do then maybe you may appear to have a drinking problem or be anti-social. And if you don't order a drink, then you also appear to be anti-social. I usually don't so even if I appear anti-social, at least I'm not drinking on the job -- and make no mistake -- a party with the boss is on the job.

And so, you can forget about raises and bonuses and heaven forbid, you use an extra few sheets of copier paper -- at least we have pretty caps.

2fers Sumo Wrestling Kits and Cheers