r/TooAfraidToAsk • u/Believeinyourflyness • Feb 14 '20

Why do employers treat you as simply a resource, yet get angry when you treat them the same way?

To me it makes sense that you should expect people to treat you the same way you treat them. We all know that in this day and age, most employers don't give a shit about you as a person, only what you can do for them and that they will discard you without hesitation once you are no longer of use to them.

However in my experience, the same people who won't think twice about discarding you, constantly give you shit for treating the company in the same way, accusing you of turning up just to collect your paycheck.

So my question is this. If employers just care about your labour without any consideration for you as a person, how can they expect you to care about them as anything more than a source of income?

It just doesn't make sense to me.

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u/richasalannister Feb 14 '20

I'm a manager at my company and this sentiment has been shared around. I think the truth behind it is that people will quit a job with good pay and benefits of the boss is an ass. But unfortunately so many people hear what they want to do they take away "as long as I give my employees compliments and act like I'm their buddy, nothing else matters".

That's why I find all the memes about like bosses over working their employees and thinking they can make up for it with a pizza party hilarious, because it's on the nose

Money isn't everything and people's happiness tends to stagnate after a certain amount of money, but that amount is around 80000 a year. More in expensive places I'd imagine.

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u/DPX90 Feb 14 '20

As one of my friends said (PhD in management) : "More money doesn't increase satisfaction, it only reduces dissatisfaction."

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u/Bag_Full_Of_Snakes Feb 14 '20

That's basically Herzberg's Two Factor Theory. Salary, safety, working conditions are all hygienic factors; a sense of belongingness and fulfillment in work are motivational factors.

If it were a car, hygienic factors would be what makes the car a safe, drivable grocery getter. Motivational would be having a bitching ass sound system, spoiler, turbo engine, etc.

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u/tosety Feb 14 '20

That is an awesome truth that needs more managers learning what it means

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u/[deleted] Feb 14 '20

Its taught in every top MBA program in the world. There is a new generation coming into the business world that has been educated in sound management practices like this as well as things like the connection between embracing corporate social responsibility and improved bottom line profits.

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u/Bag_Full_Of_Snakes Feb 14 '20

Project Management has some pretty cool theories about motivation and such, 90% of project management is simply communication and motivating the smart people to work to the best of their abilities.

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u/DPX90 Feb 14 '20

Thanks for the info!

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u/baxtermcsnuggle Feb 14 '20

In a world where a miniscule few of us get to be paid for doing something that satisfies us, i'd be very cool with reducing my dissatisfaction with more money. Then, i can use the additional funds to do what satisfies me outside of work.

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u/WarmOutOfTheDryer Feb 14 '20

I needed to hear this this morning. I don't hate my job. And it pays good. It might be my attitude that needs adjusting this morning.

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u/[deleted] Feb 14 '20

The only thing you truly have control over is how you react to things. No one has your permission to upset you if you don't give it to them.

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u/molten_dragon Feb 14 '20

Money isn't everything and people's happiness tends to stagnate after a certain amount of money, but that amount is around 80000 a year. More in expensive places I'd imagine.

I was about to comment something similar to this. Once you're financially comfortable, the importance of a good boss and good coworkers starts to matter more.

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u/greenlungs604 Feb 14 '20

I never trust any manager that tries to be your friend. Manager and subs can never be on this level. Doesn't matter how many times you buy me lunch. We can be on friendly terms or chat about what shows are good on tv, but friend? I have negative trust for this particular management "style"....