A few things happened recently that reminded me I wanted to write this article a long time ago. This article is for employees (and not only them). More specifically, it’s about employees working in a company. I’ll share two short stories with you.

Story 1

My wife had the following experience: she ordered some shoes from a certain website, and after placing the order, she thought about ordering a few more pairs. So she called their support line and explained what she wanted to do. The agent told her it wasn’t possible because the platform didn’t allow it. Trying to help and knowing a bit about it, my wife suggested he speak to the company that built their online store to enable or create this option. The response she got was, “It’s not my job to do that.”

My wife explained that it would be a good idea because other customers might face the same issue in the future. She also suggested they could improve their shipping policy (they charge for shipping regardless of the order value—which isn’t ideal for an online store). The agent replied in an irritated tone, “And which websites offer free shipping, ma’am?” My wife gave a few examples, but the agent (who may have been woken up from his daily nap) shut her down with, “Then order from them.” He finished with, “I’m just a sales rep; it’s not my job to do these things—talk to my boss.”

Story 2

I ordered a mattress for my child’s crib. When I went to pick it up, the store was incredibly busy. After waiting for 30 minutes (even though I was scheduled to pick it up), and after some insistence, the agent finally started processing my invoice, visibly irritated that I’d had the nerve to approach him and mention that I’d been waiting for 30 minutes, despite having previously confirmed with him that I would pick it up quickly since I’d explained beforehand that my time in the store was limited. Among other things, I noticed he was using a regular invoice book, filling out company details by hand each time. I suggested he prepare some pre-filled invoices or that he complete these details in advance, so he wouldn’t waste time writing them during busy hours, which could reduce customer wait time. His irritated response was, “Sir, don’t tell me how to do my job.”

Charming stories, right? I’ve heard so many similar stories that I felt the need to do something about it. Whenever I encounter such behavior from an employee, I try to reach their employer and let them know. Of course, there are days when maybe you want to be greeted with a smile but get only a blank stare, when you wish the employee would move a bit faster or not mess up your appointments. But it happens; we overlook it because we’re all human, and we all make mistakes. However, when it crosses a certain line, I think it’s time to act.

Why? Because a company suffers from having such an employee. And by company, I don’t just mean the owner, but the whole team. When you, the employee, are rude, lazy, complacent, etc., you harm your colleagues (who may have helped and supported you many times). The customers you drive away mean the company makes less money, leading to smaller (or no) bonuses, delayed salary increases, possibly late payments, extended working hours, and so on. Not to mention that your employer invests their time and their family’s money so you can enjoy a decent living.

So:

– If you’re an employee, please understand that your actions directly affect your colleagues and employer, and try to behave as you’d like to be treated.

– If you’re a customer, whenever you’re treated poorly (remember, we all have bad days), it would be great if you could inform the company/employer so they know how their employee is treating clients.

Yes, I know, many people think, “Oh, but I don’t want to harm that person.” So let me ask you, what’s better? To do “harm” to one person who somewhat called it upon themselves, or to harm the employer and the entire team? In the end, you’re just telling someone what happened to you.

I know what it’s like when someone on your team disrespects you and the rest of the team through their behavior. I’ve experienced it before, and it’s not pleasant. I’m sure you’ve also felt at least once what it’s like when someone doesn’t treat you properly. So let’s make the world a better place, one step at a time!