#519
Introduction
Reflecting on my decision to leave the corporate world in late 2012, I often feel a sense of relief and gratitude. The office grind had already started showing its ugly face back then, and I had the foresight (or perhaps divine intuition) to exit before it worsened. My breaking point? A call from a young scientist about a malfunctioning toilet flush, coupled with interminable, unproductive meetings that seemed to suck the life out of everyone involved.
Fast forward to today, and I am horrified by the stories I hear and the conditions I see people enduring daily. The grind has only intensified, fueled by a host of new challenges like DEI-(die) initiatives, ESG expectations, climate concerns, (Seriously??) woke culture, and relentless political correctness. Add to that the unique Indian context of caste and creed, Power Distance, and it’s a wonder how anyone manages to stay sane, let alone productive.
The Evolution of the Grind
The Early Signs
Back in 2012, the cracks were already visible. The increasing bureaucratic red tape, micromanagement, and a pervasive culture of overwork (with pride) were making it difficult to get anything meaningful done. As an EHS Director and Country Head, I found myself dealing with trivial issues and endless unproductive (No agenda) meetings, leaving little room for strategic thinking or genuine leadership to make a difference. Also, the incompetence due to the lack of true quality personnel at work (false positives were let in) was beginning to appear on the horizon. (2008 Obama, the beginning??).....
The Past 15 Years
The past decade and a half have seen these issues multiply. The rise of digital communication tools means employees are now reachable 24/7, blurring the lines between work and personal life. The pressure to perform has skyrocketed with the advent of new performance metrics, KPIs, and constant surveillance through monitoring software. The rat race at work, and the 99 gold coin paradox (searching for the missing one gold coin instead of being content with 99), have led people to constantly compare themselves to others and strive for more, often at any cost. Irresponsible financial imprudence at the individual level also exacerbates the grind. It’s not all the organization’s fault—they take advantage of the dangling carrot, but individuals must also take responsibility for their financial decisions and personal goals.
Who's Responsible?
Corporate Culture
The corporate culture has become increasingly toxic, driven by an obsession with profits and productivity at any cost. Management often prioritizes short-term gains over long-term well-being, leading to burnout and dissatisfaction among employees. The lack of competent, bold, truth-telling leadership is now a vanishing breed across the world in both political and corporate domains, making life hell for people.
Guilty Until Proven Innocent
In today's corporate world, employees are often presumed guilty unless proven innocent. Any mistake, however minor, can lead to severe consequences, making the workplace an environment of constant anxiety and fear. This culture of suspicion erodes trust and hampers genuine collaboration.
Endless Checks and Audits
The aftermath of corporate scandals like Enron, Wells Fargo, and WorldCom has led to an overemphasis on checks, counter-checks, and audits. These processes, often conducted by incompetent and inexperienced auditors, are more about ticking boxes than meaningful oversight. They waste valuable time and drive already frustrated employees to the brink of insanity. Organizations chase meaningless certifications as trophies to hang on the walls, adding to employees' pressure. (Imagine, the first ISO certification came in the 1980s. Was life not running well, and didn’t organizations make profits?)
Unrealistic Expectations
The expectations placed on employees today are staggering. With the push for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, and adherence to woke principles, workers are juggling multiple, often conflicting priorities. This creates a high-pressure environment where the fear of making a mistake or saying the wrong thing can be paralyzing. Managers are in their own world with meetings, reports, data analysis, etc., leaving no time for meaningful connections with their teams. Many managers in 2024 are unaware of what a one-on-one meeting with their direct reports entails and have no idea about emotional intelligence or performance goals focused on development. The words delegation and succession planning might as well be Greek or Latin to them.
The Peter Principle in Action
Many managers today are struggling to keep pace with rapid changes and new demands. The classic Peter Principle, where people rise to their level of incompetence, is rampant. As managers fail to sharpen their skills and adapt, their incompetence becomes more evident, creating a rut that affects the entire team. Employees find themselves stuck, unable to progress or innovate, leading to widespread frustration and stagnation. As one great leader recently put it to me, many organizations are struggling to transition from a "work" -results culture to a "system"- process culture.
Societal Changes
In the Indian context, issues of caste and creed add another layer of complexity. These social dynamics can create additional stress and discrimination, making the office environment even more challenging. The competition is cutthroat, making it difficult to stick to values in a corrupt and treacherous macro environment like third-world nations (and yes, even the first world is becoming corrupt, albeit slowly).
The Lure of Free Perks
In a bid to retain employees and mask the underlying issues, many companies offer free food and other perks. While these may seem attractive, they often encourage employees to stay late, further blurring the lines between work and personal life. In times of high inflation and soaring living costs, these perks can trap employees in a cycle of overwork and dependence.
Surviving the Grind
Prioritize Mental Health
Your mental health should be your top priority. Set boundaries, take regular breaks, and seek professional help if needed. Remember, no job is worth sacrificing your well-being. Also, manage your energy—mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual—to top-notch levels. A positive attitude can go a long way. As Napoleon Hill said, "What the mind conceives and believes, it achieves."
Find a Support System
Having a strong support system at work and home can make a significant difference. Build relationships with colleagues who understand and share your struggles. Lean on family and friends for emotional support. Strengthening family bonds should be a priority, as a supportive home environment can significantly buffer the stress of work.
Focus on What Matters
Identify the tasks and projects that genuinely matter and will make a difference in your career. Learn to say no to unnecessary meetings and busywork that don’t contribute to your goals. Focus on critical tasks that are important and urgent, giving them your full effort and attention. Also learn to delegate.
Speak Up
Employees need to voice their concerns and issues. While it can be daunting, especially in a culture that often retaliates against dissent, speaking up is crucial. Developing both technical competency and communication skills can empower you to stand your ground and advocate for necessary changes.
Continuous Learning
Invest in your continuous learning and professional development. Stay updated with the latest trends and skills in your field, which can open up new opportunities and make you more resilient to changes. There is no end to learning. Books, Journals are your companion. Keep a personal journal and track and try to connect the dots for a pattern to grow. I completed my Safety Diploma four years after my master’s, MBA at 39, and became an Insurance Advisor at 59 besides various credentials along the way. (TV, Internet, Social Media, WhatsApp, Cinema, Cricket are Poisons to retard your life!).
Consider Alternative Paths
If the corporate grind becomes unbearable, don’t be afraid to explore alternative career paths. Consulting, freelancing, or starting your own business can provide more flexibility and control over your work life. I have met hundreds of folks across the world who quit corporate careers, and not one has ever said they regret leaving it. In fact, one of my Pakistani friends, Mohsin, who was fired from his job, said to me a year later, "Why didn’t Allah enable the company to fire me earlier?"
Conclusion
Surviving the wretched office grind requires a combination of resilience, strategic thinking, and a focus on what truly matters. The corporate world has become more challenging, but by prioritizing your mental health, building a support system, speaking up, and staying adaptable, you can navigate these difficulties. Remember, it’s okay to seek change if the grind becomes too much. After all, life is too short to spend it in misery. The solutions are in your hands, and it's up to you to find your way through the maze. No one but you can help yourself—as Gandhi said, "Self-help is the best help."
Karthik
7/7/24. 1030am.
Earl is my Compass and North Star. His "The Strange Secret" holds World record for disc for a monologue. I have listened to the 35 minute speech > 100 times in the past 25 years. (Mark Victor Hansen Introduction version is ultimate). This after Earl survived "Pearl Harbour"@ Battleship Arizona"!
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