You know, I just don't understand office politics. My company just had their holiday party this weekend (they normally wait until Jan because so many people have other things going on over Christmas) and I just thought it was funny. The tables weren't assigned but there was a definite "supervisor" table with the Contract director, assistant director and 5 supervisors, with their husbands, wives or guests.
It's the same thing at lunch. One of the newer supervisors I helped train when she was first hired, and while we weren't best friends, we WOULD eat lunch together sometimes. She got promoted (which is great, she did deserve it) but now she eats at the "supervisor" table and doesn't mix with anyone else. On the flip side, there is a guy that was a supervisor for most of the time I was there, and switched to part time and gave up the position (because of family reasons) and now is shunned by the higher ups.
And the backbiting that goes on is unreal! I've gotten to the point where I don't say anything to anybody unless it has something to do with animals or our stupid customers. I am on the "helpline" which is where other reps can call me if they have questions about a call or if they want to talk to a supervisor (which I am not...but I guess I'm good enough). I was taken off of the helpline for a month, and I heard 5 different rumors about why. Everything from I was too rude to I tested positive for drugs. Truthfully...I was taken off because I went over my occurances for the quarter because I was sick.
I think this whole thing is ridiculous! Honestly, this is the first time I've worked for a large company. In all my other jobs I've felt like I was part of a family. Heck, I used to get drunk with my old manager and was even a bridesmaid at his wedding! Now I feel like I'm back in highschool. Didn't we all outgrow this years ago? Is this the way most workplaces are?
It's the same thing at lunch. One of the newer supervisors I helped train when she was first hired, and while we weren't best friends, we WOULD eat lunch together sometimes. She got promoted (which is great, she did deserve it) but now she eats at the "supervisor" table and doesn't mix with anyone else. On the flip side, there is a guy that was a supervisor for most of the time I was there, and switched to part time and gave up the position (because of family reasons) and now is shunned by the higher ups.
And the backbiting that goes on is unreal! I've gotten to the point where I don't say anything to anybody unless it has something to do with animals or our stupid customers. I am on the "helpline" which is where other reps can call me if they have questions about a call or if they want to talk to a supervisor (which I am not...but I guess I'm good enough). I was taken off of the helpline for a month, and I heard 5 different rumors about why. Everything from I was too rude to I tested positive for drugs. Truthfully...I was taken off because I went over my occurances for the quarter because I was sick.
I think this whole thing is ridiculous! Honestly, this is the first time I've worked for a large company. In all my other jobs I've felt like I was part of a family. Heck, I used to get drunk with my old manager and was even a bridesmaid at his wedding! Now I feel like I'm back in highschool. Didn't we all outgrow this years ago? Is this the way most workplaces are?