In a world where employee appreciation is often touted as a key to retaining talent and ensuring job satisfaction, one would expect companies to go above and beyond to show their gratitude.
However, a recent viral incident paints a different picture, highlighting the stark contrast between what companies claim and what they do.
The Disheartening Spread
A restaurant worker, known online as Miss Molly, took to social media to document her employer’s idea of an “employee appreciation” meal. The video, which garnered over 1.4 million views, showcased the remnants of a meal left in catering dishes.
Molly’s caption succinctly described the situation:
“Employee “appreciation” for the BOH/FOH.”
As viewers were given a tour of this “meal of appreciation”, it became evident that the spread was far from appetizing. The food seemed to be a mix of canned chili, hot dogs, and generic popsicles.
The presentation and quality of the meal left much to be desired, with many users expressing their shock and dismay at the subpar spread.
One user aptly summed up the sentiment with a single word: “Appalling.”
Online Reactions: Humor and Irony
The reactions didn’t stop there. Some users took a humorous approach to the situation, with comments like,
“Where’s the Shasta soda or is that too fancy,” and “Not the multicolor hot dogs.”
Others pointed out the irony in the situation, noting,
“They spent more on colored ink to print that popsicle sign than they did on the actual popsicles…”
Another added,
“The utensils and metal food containers cost more than the whole cost of the food and appreciation event.”
The Deeper Issue: Genuine Appreciation
However, beneath the humor and sarcasm, there was a deeper sentiment being expressed. Many users highlighted the larger issue at hand: companies often fail to appreciate their employees genuinely.
Instead of meaningful gestures, employees are often given token gestures that lack thought and sincerity.
One user pointed out that true appreciation would be better expressed through a monetary bonus rather than a lackluster meal.
Another user sarcastically commented,
‘We had record profits in 2022 and we couldn’t do it without you!’
The Underlying Causes of Employee Disengagement
In 2023, the corporate landscape is undergoing significant shifts. Despite the numerous strategies companies have adopted to boost employee engagement, many are still failing.
The primary reason? A misalignment between what companies offer and what employees truly desire.[1]
Tangible Benefits
While perks, bonuses, and higher salaries are appreciated, they:
- Address only the basic needs of employees.
- Are now commonplace and no longer serve as differentiators.
Emotional Commitment
Employee engagement is about:
- The emotional bond an employee has towards the organization.
- Going beyond mere job satisfaction.
Post-Pandemic Support
Companies have been generous post-pandemic, but:
- Their efforts often fall short of meeting employee expectations.
- There’s a need to align with deeper emotional and professional needs.
Recognition and Growth
The key to genuine engagement lies in:
- Recognition and appreciation from peers and superiors.
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth, such as through digital badges that attest to an employee’s achievements and skills.
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Sources
- virtualbadge.io/blog-articles/employee-engagement-strategies
This article was produced and syndicated by Viral Chatter. It was inspired by this video:
@the.__.jabberwocky
Employee “appreciation” for the BOH/FOH
#fail
#valuedemployee
#BOH
#FOH
#hhonors
♬ Titanic flute fail – Funny/Awesome Vids
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
