Recently, we had an announcement at a department meeting that made me want to pull my hair out (what little I have left) and then find the silly people who made the suggestion that prompted the announcement.
The announcement? We don't have enough "fun at work" in IT.
I groaned immediately, because I know what that usually means.
See, morale in our department here is pretty low. Crazy hours and lots of changing priorities will do that to an IT organization. Some of the people in our department (who have, I admit, their hearts in the right place) said they thought that perhaps we should have "fun" to improve the situation. I was thinking, oh, I don't know...time off to make up for the time we choose to spend here to support the company might be a better choice, but hey, can't do that....I guess.
Unfortunately, "fun" to the deckplate employee and "fun" to the executive mean completely different things.
Employee Version: The whole shop shuts down on Friday at noon and the department goes to a movie. It sucks up your lunch, yes, but the company kicks in some time for the rest. Popcorn and soda are not provided, nor is admission. The company just gives us the time. Heck, rent a projector and show "Batman Begins" over the lunch hour and provide popcorn. Simple.
Executive Version: We have the "IT Olmypics". Yes, folks....we will be doing egg races, balloon toss, etc, this Friday from 2-4. It is, of course, mandatory for all employees. We have been instructed to bring a towel and a change of clothes. I am thinking, no, not really something for me. It has been stressed that all employees who show up for work WILL participate. Least I can wear my ugly crocs for the day.
My only comfort is that perhaps some people will learn to be careful what they ask for in a corporate environment, and that perhaps "fun" <> "silly".
posted @ Monday, April 28, 2008 12:54 PM