“I love women. My mother’s one,” Mike Jackson, 29, told the packed room at his work’s IWD morning tea.

While Mike is new to formal work and has no knowledge of the issues facing women, he is ‘leaning in’ and tackling the role of facilitator. The all-male executive at AST Group, a financial investment company, identified that Mike was the perfect choice.

CEO Barry McPhants said, “Mike’s a go-getter. Really ambitious. A great guy. And the other choice, Simone, is lovely to look at but a bit bossy.”

AST Group is determined to let people know that they take the day seriously – whatever it’s about – and spent thousands of dollars on pastries, novelty pens and balloons.

Three female experts, that were asked to volunteer their time, joined the panel. Mike received a speaking fee that Barry McPhants defended, “It’s fair. As breadwinners, men have more expenses than women.”

Mike did his best to be inclusive, “We’d be lost without the ladies here. They put on this whole morning tea; made the cupcakes, put it in management’s diaries, and they’ll have this room packed down by the time we’re on the ninth hole.”

When panellist Kathleen Pinto, who has two doctorates and runs a successful tech company, spoke passionately about the representation of women in executive positions, Mike interrupted, “That’s an interesting point, Katherine.” He then pointed to the all-female executive assistants and said, “Did you hear that, girls? You need to ‘Lean In’. LEAN IN, GIRLS.”

This was met by rousing applause from management. Mike said, “The truth is we ALL need to do more. Men AND Women. If we truly want equality, why isn’t there International Men’s Day?”

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The post Leaning in! This Man Wasn’t Qualified To Facilitate His Work’s IWD Event But Gave It A Go Anyway! appeared first on Babbler.

Melissa Wisteria, 32, is determined to reduce unnecessary consumerism this Christmas. She suggested her office forgo their annual Kris Kringle and donate to charity instead. The team at GRM Investment Solutions were not enthusiastic about the proposal. Melissa has been labelled a Grinch and told her leftie politics have no place at Christmas.

Melissa said, “It’s wasteful. The only things you can get for the $10 limit are crappy novelty gifts. Last year I got a stress ball in the shape of the poo emoji.”

Melissa has received a formal written warning from management stating that if she is unable to get into the Christmas spirit, she should find employment elsewhere.

“She’s a commie,” HR Manager Amal Hassan said, “We are all for free expression, but Melissa’s communist views are dangerous and we can’t have her radicalising the team.”

Despite sending a persuasive all staff email that reminded the good that the Marine Conservation Society could do with a donation, Melissa has been unable to gain support. Her team are thrilled that the Kris Kringle will be in place for another year.

Amal said, “The Kris Kringle is one of the company’s annual highlights. Last year, I gave someone a poo emoji stress ball. So funny!”

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The post Woman That Suggested Charity Donation Instead Of Kris Kringle Labelled Grinch By Colleagues appeared first on Babbler.

Amanda Lee was under the impression that simply including the word ‘just’ in an email, would soften any request. Yet, the manager at an investment banking firm was shocked to realise that her colleagues still think she is a bossy bitch.

Amanda knows only too well how important perceptions are. When she started at PJK Investments, she quickly developed a reputation as ‘difficult’ when she suggested it was not her responsibility to chair the meeting and also do a coffee run. Since then, Amanda has been careful to not appear demanding or ‘too bossy.’

Amanda told Babbler, “I did a corporate women’s leadership retreat, ‘Badass Girllll Bosses’, where we learned techniques to remain likeable while also getting our colleagues, particularly male colleagues, to do their jobs without feeling threatened that a woman is asking them.”

Badass Girllll Bosses retreat facilitator, Nola Brimt said, “Adding a smiley face at the end of a request, can go a long way. We also recommend closing emails with a chatty line like, ‘Hope you’re well’, or, ‘Hope you get to enjoy the sunshine today.’”

Yet, Amanda is not getting the results she hoped for. Last week, she sent an email saying, “Just a quick note to see if Monday’s meeting time suits everyone? I happened to notice that no one has accepted. Sorry if this is a mix-up from my end. Hope you all have a great weekend!”

Her colleagues were quick to call out her demanding behaviour as unprofessional. A member of her team, David Wexler, told Babbler, “See what we are dealing with? She is relentless. And FYI, my weekend is none of her business!”

At her wit’s end, Amanda took drastic action. She removed all chat and pleasantries from her emails, she no longer feels the need to smile when making an in-person request, and she no longer brings in a cake to celebrate team members’ birthdays.

Amanda feels liberated, “I’ve never felt so alive!”

She has since been fired for bullying.

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The post Not Working! This Manager Starts All Email Requests With ‘Just’ And Her Team Still Think She’s Bossy appeared first on Babbler.

“Last year’s party was the best yet!” says Selena. “It was such a joy to celebrate the season and see all of my colleague’s but not have to see them right in front of me. Plus, as soon as someone annoyed me or said something stupid, I’d mute them.”

This year, Selena’s workplace has held its annual Christmas party in a local bar and things are getting loose.

“I didn’t know how good I had it in 2020. It truly was a great year.”

Selena believes that fun is best in a controlled environment. Especially an environment controlled by her. Yet her requests for a contactless Christmas were rejected by the workplace Party Planning Committee.

“I’ll never take having a Christmas party from home for granted again. We had so much fun. If there were a low moment, I’d do a zany background. This year, Jared keeps breathing beer on me as he talks about his Crypto portfolio. Last year, I muted him six times.”

More to come.

The post Manager Nostalgic For 2020 Zoom Christmas Party When She Could Control the Fun appeared first on Babbler.

The post Breaking: Co-Worker Just As Annoying After Having A Few appeared first on Babbler.

In his Christmas party welcome speech, Managing Director Jon Walton reminded that today’s Christmas was all about relaxing and having fun.

“It’s been a big year so let’s not talk shop tonight. We’re here to have fun— But not too much fun. Ha ha ha. Is that what you wanted me to say, HR? Ha ha ha! But seriously, folks, no talking work tonight. Enjoy yourselves. Cheers!”

The team at JW Solutions were relieved. After a tumultuous year and a difficult week, morale was low. Staff were looking forward to letting their hair down.

Project Officer, Sofia Lambrazzo said, “I was planning a big one, but then I got cornered by Jon. I couldn’t get away – he’s my boss – so I just stood there smiling and nodding. I had to fake an IBS emergency to escape.”

With the formalities out of the way, Jon, with his tie removed, was keen to circulate and show his team that he’s just a regular guy. Yet, conversations revealed the golf buff has little in common with his subordinates. Little in common, except work.

Sofia said, “I think he tried at first. But when no one wanted to talk about Malcolm Turnbull’s autobiography or their kids’ investment portfolios, he started talking about work. He’s still going.”

The party looks likely to finish early as a secret after-party has been arranged at a nearby bar. Both Jon and Sofia are not invited.

The post Boss That Opened Christmas Party With “Let’s Not Talk Shop” Still Talking Shop appeared first on Babbler.

“We are launching this big project. I have to hold it together until it’s done.”

The mother-of-four understands just how important looking after herself is, “Believe me, I get it. If my cup isn’t full, I can’t fill anyone else’s. And I’m definitely planning to lock in a full breakdown in three to four weeks. Maybe six… Eight weeks max.”

Psychologist Sandra Blacknell agrees, “Looking after our mental health is more important than ever and it’s vital we take time for ourselves. Scheduling self-care is a great start. Even better, schedule in a breakdown or mental health episode. That way, it can’t be forgotten.”

Mikela has gone one step further and scheduled her recovery, “I’m giving myself a full two weeks to breakdown and recover. I’ve got to be back at work for the end of year financials.”

The post Woman Schedules Breakdown For Next Month, When Busy Period At Work Is Over appeared first on Babbler.