People Are Talking About Terrible "Motivational Prizes" At Work After This Person "Won" A 10-Minute Break
Getting a special gift as a thank you for a job well done can be really nice, especially if it comes in the form of a nice chunk of cash or an extra day or two off. However, sometimes you might think you have a big bonus check coming only to wind up as a member of the 'jelly of the month' club. Or, you were promised a "waffle party," and then whatever this is happened:
Apple Tv+ / Via tenor.com
Well, recently on Reddit, u/no-satisfaction-749 shared a rather disappointing "prize" they "won" at work, writing, "I left my job shortly after receiving this prize for my good work." And I gotta say, I understand why:
In a comment, the poster added, "This was actually the last straw for several of my coworkers. We all had college degrees from good, well-accredited universities and were being treated like children. Everyone left, lol. Wonder how this company is doing now ?? (it was a law firm)."
This sad attempt at employee motivation has also made its way to Twitter where it's stirring up lots of conversation.
And in response, people have been pointing out all the reasons why this "reward" is, in fact, incredibly demoralizing. For starters, why do they need 24 hours notice for a 10-minute break???
Based on the vibe I'm picking up from this company, it's probably going to be more work to schedule this break than the break itself is even worth.
NBC / Via giphy.com
"The time it takes to coordinate this 10-minute break is longer than 10 minutes."
The expiration date is a particularly ridiculous touch.
"Bruh, how does an imaginary prize have an expiration? That’s just…insulting."
Not to mention the fact that in most offices, you can just go to the bathroom for 10 minutes without the hassle of all of these shenanigans.
"This is the most juvenile and insulting thing. Like, it’s honestly unbelievable a group of managers or whatever thought this was a good idea. This is something you give a kindergarten class for behaving at recess.
I would just say 'no thanks' and return the 'prize.' I can just go to the bathroom and pretend to take a shit for 10 minutes without having to give 24 hour notice."
So many rules for such a short little break.
"How much more demeaning can they get? 'Here's a coupon for a pat on the back and a go-gettem-tiger. Redeemable only on the third Wednesday of the month if there is a full moon.'"
It's definitely not the kind of thing that would make most people feel valued.
All in all, this feels like something from an episode of The Office (and even on TV, this would backfire).
NBC / Via giphy.com
“You have earned one Schrute buck!”
Additionally, people are sharing their own stories about getting not-so-great "rewards" from their employers, like this bait and switch prize.
"My girlfriend at the time worked with me in the same department, same position. She won employee of the year. Got, like, $1k of swag. Two weeks vacation. Crystal statue. Nationwide recognition.
The following year, I won it. I was given a $50 check. A hard hat with coupons for fast-food joints, and a printed certificate, during our local Christmas party while they were announcing raffle prizes."
And this puzzling opportunity to be the only one in the office wearing jeans.
NBC / Via giphy.com
"I once won a certificate for a 'jeans day.' I could turn that in to get to wear jeans to work one day."
Some people got similar "treats" as literal children.
"This is exactly like the free No Homework passes I got in fifth grade, except somehow more restrictive."
And one person actually got the same reward, but due to all the many rules and restrictions, they were never even able to use it.
In conclusion, I side with this commenter:
"'No one wants to work anymore.' —Employer who makes you request a 10-minute break a day in advance."