In today’s time, what does being ‘cancelled’ mean? Cancel culture has been rampant on social media and has even found its way into the corporate setting. But, what really is cancel culture?
Cancel culture is the phenomenon or practice of publicly rejecting, boycotting, or ending support for particular people or groups because of their socially or morally unacceptable views or actions.
As we explore the intricacies of corporate practices, it becomes clear that certain behaviours mirror the essence of cancel culture, albeit in a more subtle and harmful manner. From the failure to disclose salary to the expectation for employees to be available 24/7, the corporate world often perpetuates a cancel culture of its own, affecting the livelihoods and well-being of its workforce. Let’s check some of the ‘cancelled’ practices in the corporate setting that employers can avoid doing:
Not Disclosing Salary to Candidates
In the corporate world, cancel culture is evident through practices like withholding salary information until later stages of the hiring process. This lack of transparency not only perpetuates wage disparities but also puts candidates at a disadvantage. Companies retain the upper hand by keeping salary details hidden, leading to unfair negotiations and employee discontent.
Discrediting Career Breaks
Companies tend to overlook career breaks in a society that idolizes constant work. Whether it’s for personal reasons like family, education, or mental health, individuals who opt for a break are frequently criticized and perceived as lacking skills or commitment. This negative perspective not only hinders personal development but also creates a toxic work atmosphere that affects the well-being of employees.
Ghosting Candidates
Communication is key! As we discussed in a previous blog, ghosting candidates harms the company’s reputation. Candidates dedicate their time and energy to apply for positions, only to be met with complete silence from hiring managers or recruiters. In turn, this disrespectful behaviour undermines the hard work and aspirations of job seekers.
Expecting Staff to be Available 24/7
The development of remote work and virtual communication has blurred the lines between professional and personal life. As a result, some companies may take advantage of this by demanding their employees to be accessible at all times. Such as answering emails, participating in meetings outside working hours, and sending additional work close to the end of the shift. Consequently, this does not only lead to burnout but also disrupts work-life balance, resulting in reduced productivity and morale.
Sudden Layoffs
The sudden implementation of mass layoffs is one of the most harmful outcomes of cancel culture in business. The sudden implementation of mass layoffs is one of the most harmful outcomes of cancel culture in the business world. In order to produce higher profits and lessen expenses, companies often choose to carry out layoffs without prior notice. This treatment leaves employees unprepared for the future of their careers and creates anxiety and distrust towards the company.
Reaching Out to Recruitment Agencies
Recruitment agencies can serve as a means to prevent cancel culture in the workplace. These agencies, like The Recruitment Alternative, prioritise transparency, advocate for fair treatment, and strive to connect candidates with companies that share their values and aspirations.
The occurrence of cancel culture in corporate settings has a negative impact. From hiding salary details to unexpected layoffs, these actions create division, promote unfair treatment, and leave workers feeling disheartened. Therefore, it is crucial for businesses to acknowledge the harmful effects of cancel culture and work towards establishing welcoming, just, and supportive workplaces for everyone.
Reach out to us today at 0800 587 546 or via info@therecruitmentalternative.co.nz.
