"Fear and Loathing" in the American Workplace

Fear of being fired or laid off in this harsh economy is creating a workplace that has all the trappings of what I would call, in the words of the late Hunter S. Thompson, fear and loathing in the American workplace.

I just gave up my livelihood rather than work in a climate of fear and degradation. I feel for my co-workers who don't have the financial means to do the same.

I wonder, what's the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the rising unemployment rate in the United States? Most likely, it's the sad plight of workers who've lost their incomes, health insurance, retirement accounts and, most likely, a big chunk of self-esteem.

And, there is no question about the fact that the unemployed grapple with these losses on a daily basis. Many rise early to jump on job boards, write cover letters, and perfect their resumes, only to be met with rejection. Many of them are anxious, depressed and suffering increasingly from related physical illness.

But what about the ranks of the still-employed who live in fear of being tapped for the next layoff or becoming the target of managers who can fire them -- in most cases -- at will?

A study at the University of Michigan shows that people who constantly worry about losing their jobs report poorer physical health and more symptoms of depression than those who have actually been laid off.

Researchers analyzed nationally representative samples of surveys from more than 1,700 adults over age 25 who were asked about their physical and mental health, as well as their feelings about the security of their job.

"The negative effect of being persistently insecure was more significant than the unemployment itself," said study author Sarah Burgard, a research assistant professor at the school's Institute for Social Research.

People are working overtime without being paid for the extra work. They're putting up with lower or no increases in compensation as a reward for excellence. They're scared to speak up against management. They're undercutting one another in the belief that it's better to see a former workmate fired than to be fired oneself.

"By no means am I trying to belittle the stress of job loss," Burgard said. "But the negative anticipation of an event can be more stressful than the event itself. People feel they have the sword of Damocles hanging over their head, but they can't exert any control over the situation."

And it's not just the slackers who are worried. It's been my observation that the most productive employees, those who show the most talent, are often targeted by managers whose own insecurity drives them to harass or oust top performers, people who could challenge them for positions in management -- possibly for lower salaries, saving the company money.

It's not just a battle between employees and their superiors. This rampant fear creates hostility between equals at all levels: manager on manager, worker on worker.

Perhaps the saddest thing about this climate of fear and hostility is that this is just the time when people at all levels in the workplace could be finding solace in a mutual dedication to survival of the best.

They could be banding together to ensure that the hard working among them would weather the economic storm. Instead, it's every man for himself.

 

Comments

[mudshark12]

Where I work at, business is falling off and we are beginning to feel anxious. Things are not like they used to be several years ago when our company could afford to cut back on hours and put us on partial unemployment (no lay-offs) until the economy improved. Because everything costs a LOT more than it used to so overhead and health insurance are way higher, I don't think my company will be able to do this again. Fear and loathing indeed .....

[TruelyFedUp]

The monetary system is a psychosis - In current clinical use, psychopathy is most commonly diagnosed using the checklist devised by Emeritus Professor Robert Hare. He describes psychopaths as "intraspecies predators[14][15] who use charm, manipulation, intimidation, and violence[1­6][17][18] to control others and to satisfy their own selfish needs. Lacking in conscience and in feelings for others, they take what they want and do as they please, violating social norms and expectations without guilt or remorse".[19] "What is missing, in other words, are the very qualities that allow a human being to live in social harmony."[20]

We need to get off of the money system and onto a resource based system as described at www.thevenusproject.com - this means we own our homes, healthcare and education systems and we let technology do the heavy work. We might work one day a week or whatever the community needs to flourish but the stress of trying to outwit corporate bankers while working 3 jobs and trying to raise a family is unthinkable in such a system.
Truly

[squat6971]

Being of a "certain" middle age (57), I've been unable to score a full-time job for the last 8 years. I've been a consultant here and there for all this time, with the ever-present contract-end-dates looming ahead.

I've been consulting at Bloomberg LP for the last 2+ years -- renewed in 6-month increments -- but have been told (sub rosa) that I'm "too old" to hire. But not "too old" to keep on the clock.

No sick-time, no vacation, no paid holidays -- it takes a physical, emotional, and financial toll.

I'm sure I'm not the only one in this situation.

[rmreddicks]

Welcome to the 57 going on 58 club. I've had a few offers that I took (for a bit) at minimum wage and I was a reasonably good and flexible IT guy and well paid once.. (A one person manager for a 100 person not-for-profit, then a self-employed contractor for a bit.) Had to go under due to some horrible family problems beginning four years ago. Most horrible for them unless there is some sort of heaven. Didn't make enough to maintain insurance in the contracting days (my bad - and worse for my family. Again, my bad.) Now I sell booze for a few hours a week at minimum wage. Oddly, I don't care. I certainly have no desire to impress my employer. I don't care if the customers get what they want. Oddly, I don't steal the booze. And the desert is just a bit of a walk away.

Mostly all that means is that when you get into your fifties all that talk about portable work is just a lot of nonsense. Fair warning to the younger on this site.

[King Keith]

I used to work for Enterprise Rent a Car and this story sums up my experience to a "T". Everyday you were told that you could be next and you constantly saw people being let go at random, but always for "insubbordination" and ERAC always denied unemployement. They would say the economy is bad, but we can bring in unemployed people willing to work longer for less and get what we want. These big companies are really taking advantage of this "recession" its like monkey see, monkey do!

[KaptainKen]

Quote: "They could be banding together to ensure that the hard working among them would weather the economic storm. Instead, it's every man for himself."

"Banding together" AKA "Unions". Excellent idea ... but just try it south of the Mason-Dixon line.

[indy100]

Unions, exactly. Large corporations and even smaller employers are using the economic crisis to use and abuse employees and even flaunt Fair Labor Standards laws. People need to stand up to this. What we all stand to lose isn't just jobs, it's every gain that the average worker has gained in the last 60 years, 40-hour work weeks, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance (although we all may lose that one) etc. Are we going to all the United States to conintue on the road to being a THIRD WORLD COUNTRY??

[treetracker]

Personally, I'd like to see of bunch of qualified people who have been laid off and understand what the people are going through run for office against some of these cracker jack politicians who have been in their seats way too long and have sold us all down the river.

We're working in our district to find a replacement for our lame Representative. Find people in your districts and run someone against them. People are fed up with the status quo. Now is the time to act!

[gecko46]

Seems to me the US is living in a hi-tech Dickensian world. What a time Marx and Dickens would have taking the leaders, both political and economic, of this profoundly exploited society to task, for this is what you get when you revert to (almost) total laisser-faire capitalism. Disgusting. Sickening. Amoral. And repugnant.

[indy100]

Yup, yup, yup and yup.

[rmreddicks]

Well stated adjectives! Now let's head for objectives which negate those stated adjectives!

[Box500]

This is Corporate America's dream. Insecurity and fear in the workplace, oversupply of labor. Make no mistake about it....the CEO's and other senior management love it.

[HMDMSR]

The author raises worthwhile points, and gives an accurate description of the workplace, but then drops the following bomb:

"Perhaps the saddest thing about this climate of fear and hostility is that this is just the time when people at all levels in the workplace could be finding solace in a mutual dedication to survival of the best.

They could be banding together to ensure that the hard working among them would weather the economic storm. Instead, it's every man for himself."

Is this a joke? What an antisocial opinion. This creepy opinion is at the root of our current difficulties. "Survival of the best." What does that mean? Only "the hard working among them" should survive the storm? We don't need to revalidate the Protestant work ethic. We need to kill it.

[Betsie]

Dear HMDMSR,

In your comment you stated: Only "the hard working among them" should survive the storm?

Have you ever worked a job and worked really hard at it only to be laid off and the person who did not work half as hard as you did or accomplish as much work as you did be kept?

People who are slackers should be laid off NOT the ones who go to work everyday with a positive, hardworking attitude.

[HMDMSR]

I can't be sympathetic to this attitude, because I'm aware of all the trouble its causes. Every time an ambitious yuppie begs to play the "reward me as if I'm a dog" routine, we all suffer for it. And where has it gotten us? .

Workers do have the capacity to control both the pace of their work and the length of it--and even being laid off--they just haven't used this capacity. They can't use it, because they aren't aware they have it. Americans are raised to see themselves as mere human resources. It's time to stop teaching children this backward way of seeing their future roles in society.

Americans work too much. They work too fast. Americans don't get enough vacation. An employer should not be allowed just to fire someone. Currently, we have profitable companies that are laying off workers. Workers need legal protection against job loss. Yes, democratic practices can be used to control the workplace. No, everything does not have to be based on the market.

[indy100]

I work in Human Resources and I'm here to tell you that there will NEVER be a guarantee that the reliable, diligent workers will stay and the slackers will go. It's not fair and it's not right, but that's how it is. The best thing we can do is band together and stand up to what's happening to American workers, even the slackers. Strong labor laws that are ENFORCED benefit all of us.

[rmreddicks]

Jeez, I had to train a slacker to take over my job once (commercial building maintenance @ MacGregor Medical Association in Houston, TX) because they could pay him a buck less an hour. Heck, I let the slacker teach ME for 90 days once I found out. I found plenty of places in Houston to hide and have a beer! The slacker knew half of them and pointed the way. I liked that job and did it well till the last 90 days.

[Eres]

Mediocrity in the workplace has been the prevalent theme for my adult working life. The bar is set extraordinarily low and many managers (typically the stock MBA drones) are so afraid to be outshone or challenged (weak egos) they tend to subvert or fire individuals who demonstrate an ability to think or act creatively and independently. This fear of competition is only compounded by the fact that most professional environments are run like frat houses.

[catbite]

So very true. Those with MBA's and no experience are miserable to have as a boss. Because they have the correct criteria on paper, they get the job and oftentimes feel that they are above the law. Every one of them has left behind a huge mess. And they certainly do not like having someone intelligent working for them. It's a threat. You get laid off so that there is no competition.
I keep thinking every day, it could be worse. I could still be working there.

[Tim Janssen]

the MBA degree is a worthless piece of paper and indicates nothing. MBAs are a large part of the problem in the American workplace and society. Just glorified bean counting bs'ers who think their crap doesn't stink because they think they know something about "strategery". Their mantra?.........If you don't schmooze you lose.

[powercosmic]

I feel deeply for those who are genuinely stupid ( < 85 IQ) who are hurting.

But for the rest, I say this: YOU are responsible for this mess that you find yourself in.

YOU elected people into office (GOP) who sold you the fantasy of "trickle down economics"

All they had do to was say "I will lower taxes" and people said "YEAH, YEAH"

But they didn't mean lower taxes for the poor or middle class, NO, they meant lower taxes for the RICH and for corporations.

YOU elected people who sold you the fantasy of DEREGULATION, for BANKS, for UTILITIES, for HEALTH INSURERS, etc.

Bank deregulation made KINGS out of bank CEOS and peasants out of Americans, the banks now how so much power that they're probably unstoppable.

YOU elected to put your money in a 401K at some Wall Street outfit, why are you surprised that its GONE?

Some people like me who KNOW Wall Street invest in the REAL WORLD, so I put my money in CD's, savings bonds, and cheap real estate, not in a 401K. So the finanical CRASH didn't affect me at all.

DIVEST yourselves from Wall $treet, cut-up your credit cards and start voting for LIBERTARIANS.

If we don't break the power of Wall $treet we are all doomed.

[Betsie]

Face-it............ the UN-Thinking will accept anything.

It does not matter if you have a 4-year (or more) college degree... if you can't think and question, and reason things out you will beleive almost anything.

How many times have you heard someone refer to a sports person as their hero?

They are NOT HEROES... they are just people working in a business (and they make MILLIONS of dollars) that they choose to do (baseball, football, etc).

A real hero is someone like a fireman, policeman or just the girl/guy next door that does the right thing.

[Witchitalineman]

Good comments.

[pottedferne]

this may not make it through the mods, but it should be read...i have been let go from a federal job for 2 reasons; 1- I'm a Democrat and 2-my bosses were having an affair and although I had nothing to do ratting them out they think I did...one is an Army Major and the other her supervisor, both were married to others..it was revenge pure and simple..I am the scapegoat....as far as being a slacker , I am in the process of having my third peer reviewed scientific journal submitted for publication...noone within my branch has had even one....

[no dodo]

Pottedferne, I say BRAVO to you! Congratulations! I hope your article is accepted.

I, too, recommend that employees become more than *just* empoyees. Develop some healthy interests outside any employer's control.

[maritimer]

Hang in there, friend. I am very familiar with the Fed system and I'm sorry this happened to you as it's happened to so many others. You have character and nobody can buy that. The Army miscreants will hit bottom and create their own disaster, sooner or later. Seen it happen many times, so bet on it. Good luck with your paper 'n keep the faith.

[feliznavidad]

Success and honesty are now deblitating pre-existing conditions in our country.

[Verity1025]

Interesting article. I am one of those who has been waiting for the axe to fall and have been putting up with a very hostile workplace---it was hostile before the economy cratered, so became even worse. Fortunately for me, I turn 62 in two weeks, so I could retire.

However, I am puzzled by the last paragraph: "They could be banding together to ensure that the hard working among them would weather the economic storm. Instead, it's every man for himself."

If I were a slacker, why would I help a harder worker survive?

On the other hand, if everybody pulls together and shares ideas and helps each other, the whole department accomplishes more and looks better, which might keep everyone from being laid off. I have experienced both a helpful environment and one where the supervisor, instead of using the knowledge employees have and learning what they can from them, tries to make employees look bad to hide their own ignorance. This not only makes for a hostile atmosphere where workders don't/can't do their best, but sets up the whole department for being disposed of.

[maritimer]

I would love to work together with my co-workers, but there is a large amount of dysfunction in my workplace, so I have to make do as best I can. Unfortunately, the dysfunction is what may very well cost us some key contracts, resulting in all of us going out the door.

[mandycat]

It must be delightful to be a corporate honcho in America today. Not only are you immune from the insecurity and stress workers farther down the food chain are experiencing (you're taken care of for the rest of your life no matter what happens) but you can use that fear as a stick to beat them with. The management theory that goes something like "We can do anything we like and make any unreasonable and inconsistent demand we want because you're just lucky to have a job at all" is alive and well.

Once the economy turns around, and I believe it will, the worst offenders are going to wonder where everyone went. Between the good people that management tossed out the door and the survivors who were just waiting to escape, there's going to be nobody left but the honchos and their syncophants.

[drricklippin]

Both job loss and fear of job loss are grossly understudied issues as it relates to determining health outcomes.

A few medical researchers are finally getting the eyes out of the microscope and looking through the "macroscope"

Dr. Rick Lippin
Southampton,Pa

[feliznavidad]

Pittsburgh after the fall of the steel industry -- loaded with statistics -- suicides, abuse issues, alcoholism. This is not news -- unemployment is the WORST possible health epidemic. Who cared? Who cares?