Creating a Culture of Discontent and Victimhood at Work: The Harmful Effects of Irresponsible Content
Ambika Sharma
Chief Strategist @ Pulp Strategy | Published Author | Digital Strategy | Design Thinking | INSEAD | Stanford
Why do I not see social content around hard work, create success, learning, healthy competition, and all the other things which create a good work ethic anymore?
In recent times, many publications with aggressive social media content strategies have come under fire for creating disgruntled employees by posting social content and articles that wrongly equate employment with slavery, or insinuate that bosses are only scheming to make life difficult for employees. This trend is ruining an entire generation of the workforce and damaging India's largest asset, human capital.
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Flooding social feeds powered by hashtags like corporatelife agencylife such content suggests that the poor worker slave is crawling out of the office to escape just in time for the clock to chime 6PM or is waiting endlessly for a creative approval, or most commonly is reeling under the assault of the vindictive manager. These accounts are followed by young professionals and are a strong influence on their perception and expectations of their professional lives, triggering a victim mindset. ?
The negative effects of this trend are not limited to India alone. In a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed, NYU Business School Professor Scott Galloway pointed out that social media has created a generation of weakened kids, which threatens American culture and capitalism. The culture of victimhood that is being created by such content is causing employees to view themselves as powerless victims, rather than empowered individuals who can make a difference in their workplace.
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The idea that employment is equivalent to slavery is not only inaccurate but also damaging to the overall work culture. It leads to employees feeling disempowered and lacking the motivation to contribute to their workplace. Moreover, it creates a negative perception of bosses as scheming individuals who are only interested in making life difficult for employees. This perception is both untrue and unproductive.
On the other hand, research has shown that employees who feel empowered and valued at work are more productive and engaged in their work. They are more likely to take ownership of their work and contribute to the overall success of their organization. Therefore, the negative impact of articles and social media posts that equate employment with slavery is significant.
It is essential for publications such as ScoopWhoop and filter copy and others to recognize the potential damage that such articles can have on the workforce. They should be more responsible in their reporting and ensure that they do not contribute to a culture of victimhood at work. Instead, they should focus on creating content that empowers employees and fosters a positive work culture.
Additionally, it is important for employers to create a culture of empowerment and respect for their employees. They should strive to provide a work environment that encourages employees to take ownership of their work and contribute to the overall success of the organization. By doing so, they will create a more engaged and productive workforce that will ultimately benefit the organization and the employees.
In conclusion, publications need to be more responsible in their content and ensure that they do not contribute to a culture of victimhood at work. The negative impact of equating employment with slavery is significant and can have long-term effects on the workforce. Employers also have a role to play in creating a positive work culture that empowers their employees. By doing so, they will create a more engaged and productive workforce that will ultimately benefit the organization.