Your Guide to How the Recession Will Change Your Workplace

in Adverse Events Careers economy by marcus — February 27, 2009 at 2:43 pm | 0 comments

Picture a scene where a bunch of people are put into an arena to fight for a limited number of prizes, to claw, scratch, and bite their way to victory no matter what it takes? You probably thought I was talking about American Gladiators. But you’re wrong. I was talking about your workplace. With recession worries bearing down on employees and employers alike, things are about to get crazy in Cubicle-Land (minus some ripped guy in spandex with long permed hair named Diamond).

So how will the recession affect your workplace? It depends on your current culture. Two things are for sure: any existing problems will get worse, and any existing strengths will be tested.

Following is your guide to your workplace’s recession transformation:

1. Competitive – If your workplace is already one of constant one-upmanship and dogged duels, things are about to get much worse. Competitors who have flirted with the line will start to cross it. Co-workers will not hesitate to steal others’ recognition, credit, ideas- heck, I’d even hold onto my wallet if I were you. As companies begin to downsize, yours will become an all-out battle royale for who stays and who goes.

2. Cooperative – You might already be noticing that Fred in Accounting has become a little less friendly as of late. Your weekly cumbaya sessions are not nearly as spirited as they used to be. Even though you’ve known these people for years and even named your firstborn after your manager, you can tell that trust is waning. The "Am-I-Next" feeling pervades the entire premises, and you can’t shake the feeling that Fred is preparing to throw you under the bus.

3. Creative – Say goodbye to shorts and flip flops, Random Experimental Idea Time, and going surfing during the middle of the day. If your company has been letting its employees roam freely, watch for them to call the cattle home and lock the fences. A fierce marketplace and frightened managers will cause companies to crackdown on employee time and productivity. Ironically, this will kill creativity.

4. Drama – If your office already puts Grey’s Anatomy to shame in drama and catfights, you simply will not survive. Start looking for another job, and just be glad you won’t have to work with those people much longer.
 

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Tags: company culture economic downturn financial crisis office politics recession